“The development of the hydrogen industry in Ukraine is a matter of choice and defining key objectives. If energy security and independence are priorities, then it makes sense to start working on our own hydrogen technologies today and create favorable conditions for this. If we are talking about decarbonization and the fact that fossil fuels will eventually run out (and with the development of shale technologies, this is a prospect for decades), then we can choose the path of “waiting” and not take on the “burden of development.” — mentioned Ievgen Didichenko, co-owner and CBDO of the KNESS Group during the round table discussion: “Hydrogen: a trap or an energy quantum leap for Ukraine?”
The event brought together representatives of business, government, and international organizations to discuss the readiness of Ukrainian infrastructure to work with hydrogen, the conditions for creating a transparent and competitive market, investment guarantees, the role of science in the energy future, and the necessary steps for the industry development.
In his speech, Ievgen Didichenko emphasized that it is necessary to first make a choice and decide which path the country should take in terms of hydrogen development.
“If to focus on the problem of national and geopolitical security in the context of minimizing dependence on fossil resources, then the “developer’s path” is outlined for the country. It involves investing in the creation of its own technologies to accumulate expertise and conduct export activities in the future. What should the first step be? To get out of the deadlock, a mechanism is needed that will create initial but guaranteed demand. For example, launching an auction model, within which the state would purchase certain volumes of hydrogen, stimulating domestic developers. This will allow small players to gain experience, develop technologies, and gradually scale up production.” — an expert explained.
Ievgen Didichenko also shared the achievements of the KNESS Group in the field of research and development of hydrogen technologies:
Even before the full-scale invasion, our company developed a hydrogen production technology that differs from classic electrolysis and brought it to TRL-5 (laboratory prototype) level. The prototype looks like a combined battery that generates both electricity and green hydrogen. This technology had competitive advantages, especially in regions with cyclical generation, such as solar. However, the full-scale invasion forced us to suspend the project and focus on more urgent needs for Ukraine’s energy system — short- and medium-term energy storage systems. The hydrogen production and transportation project is currently waiting for its time and is “on hold.”
Based on our expert’s opinion, we can conclude that Ukraine must first determine its strategic role in the context of the hydrogen industry. Only then, if necessary, should it create conditions for the emergence of the first, albeit small, guaranteed market for the launch of real investment projects in hydrogen production.
We would like to thank the organizers — the UN Global Compact in Ukraine within the framework of the Ukraine Energy Initiative — for creating an important platform for dialogue.
