M.Kunickis: Ukraine is obliged to enhance decarbonization pace to meet EU plan for reducing CO2 emissions

The EU is removing incentives on emissions and enforcing rules for the import of carbon footprint goods. The European Commission adopted a package of proposals to make the EU’s climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. To achieve this, European countries will need to reduce significantly their CO2 emissions and reform their economies.

Energy production and use accounts for 75% of EU emissions, so accelerating the transition to a greener energy system, namely RES, is crucial. The Renewable Energy Directive will set an increased target to produce 40% of the EU’s energy from renewable sources by 2030. All Member States will contribute to this goal, and specific targets are proposed for renewable energy use in transport, heating and cooling, buildings and industry.

Apart from this, the EU plan considers implementation of a new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. It will put a carbon price on imports of a targeted selection of products to ensure that ambitious climate action in Europe does not lead to ‘carbon leakage’. This will ensure that European emission reductions contribute to a global emissions decline, instead of pushing carbon-intensive production outside Europe. It also aims to encourage industry outside the EU and our international partners to take steps in the same direction.

“For Ukraine, achieving goals of the Green Deal will be possible after modernizing the energy system, which today generates most of the country’s carbon emissions. Without this, exports to the EU will stop – due to a carbon tax increase, as Ukrainian goods will become uncompetitive. To be an active member of the European community, evolution of renewable energy sources alone in Ukraine is not enough – we already need a revolution! There are no other ways – it is necessary to update the Energy Strategy of Ukraine as soon as possible in accordance with the new rules presented by the European Commission, as well as introduce a green energy certification system and enable the development of corporate contracts for energy from renewable energy sources,” emphasized Maris Kunickis, CEO of DTEK Renewables during his speech at the 12th Ukrainian Energy Forum on July 16.