Energy Sector Under Attack
On February 24, 2022, at exactly 00:00, Ukraine began a critical “island energy mode” test— temporarily disconnecting from the Russian and European power grids as part of requirement and plan to join to ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity). And after that, just three hours later, the first missiles struck. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure became a primary target.
In 2024 alone, more than 1,100 missiles and thousands of heavy drones targeted energy infrastructure across the country. Substations connecting regions were destroyed, cutting off energy flows and fragmenting the national grid. Entire regions were left with either massive surpluses or crippling shortages of electricity.
Historically, Ukraine’s energy sector was built on a foundation of high centralization and the dominance of a few major players. Local communities had no access to data on investment opportunities, and it was nearly impossible for international investors to conduct meaningful preliminary assessments without transparent information. The lack of transparency in this market hindered fair competition, increased the risk of corruption, and reinforced monopolies. Furthermore, there was a lack of comprehensive spatial studies with detailed maps assessing the structure of Ukraine’s energy system and the renewable energy potential needed to support economic decarbonization and enhance energy independence.
It became clear that Ukraine needs a tool for future recovery of Ukraine – something transparent and accessible to investors, international experts and Ukrainian communities.
Renewable Energy Potential
With the aim of supporting a transparent and science-based recovery of Ukraine’s energy sector, I decided to create a database for analysis in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Based on data from statistical and scientific sources, market reports, responses to formal requests submitted to relevant ministries and local authorities, as well as information obtained from energy market participants and professional associations, I collected and compiled my own database of 1,700 energy infrastructure facilities. This includes thermal and nuclear power plants, hydropower stations, substations, and renewable energy facilities – both those currently in operation and those that have been damaged or destroyed. Distribution and transmission networks were also included, as well as regional power systems. All facilities were manually mapped, verified, and standardized to ensure a transparent and consistent spatial database for analysis.
The next step involved conducting a spatial analysis of Ukraine’s renewable energy potential. Using 25 diverse indicators – including land use restrictions, environmental impact assessments, social acceptance, and economic viability – I developed Ukraine’s first high-resolution maps, identifying suitable areas and potential for wind and solar energy generation (Fig.1 and 2). The estimates showed that Ukraine has a total geographical technical potential of more than 229 GW, including 41.19 GW of solar and 187.98 GW of wind energy
