Iaroslav Kryl, CEO of Hydrogen Ukraine, took stage as a speaker at the Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor Roundtable within the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) held in Berlin. This event underscored the critical importance of decarbonization and energy security, key priorities on the EU agenda, and explored the expanding role of clean hydrogen in these efforts.

As Europe anticipates a swift rise in demand for clean hydrogen, its local production capacity remains limited. Consequently, the European industry is eyeing external suppliers, with Ukraine emerging as a prime candidate. Ukraine’s structural advantages, like favorable renewable energy resources, land availability, and a well-developed gas transportation system linked to the European network – position it as a potential key supplier of clean hydrogen to Europe.

Mr. Kryl highlighted Ukraine’s readiness to seize this opportunity by presenting two significant Hydrogen Valleys projects developed by Hydrogen Ukraine. He also highlighted the company’s success in securing a grant through the InnovateUkraine competition, funded by UK International Development, for a hydrogen project in the Odesa region. This competition was originally announced during the previous Ukraine Recovery Conference in London in 2023.

The roundtable discussions focused on unlocking Ukraine’s hydrogen potential, covering potential financing sources, offtake agreements, regulatory frameworks, and coordination among multiple stakeholders.

Worth to mention, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s natural advantages for modern energy during his speech on the first day of the conference. He asserted that while gas generation will address current energy shortages, a transition to hydrogen will eventually balance the new “green” energy landscape.

The Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor Roundtable marks a significant step towards harnessing Ukraine’s capabilities in clean hydrogen production, positioning it as a pivotal player in Europe’s decarbonization efforts.