Ukrainian minister promises comprehensive energy supplies to Europe

Ukrainian minister promises comprehensive energy supplies to Europe AFP - 16 hrs ago According to its energy minister, Ukraine wants to supply gas and hydrogen on a large scale in order to reduce Europe's dependence on Russia, but is initially demanding an energy embargo against Russia. Because of the war in his homeland, "comprehensive energy sanctions" against Russia are now necessary, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko told the "Tagesspiegel". This is intended to deprive Russia of the money to continue its war of aggression. "That's why we demand that there should be a mechanism that prevents them from receiving money before they leave Ukrainian soil," Galushchenko said, referring to Russian opponents. The Ukrainian government is proposing to set up a fund under Western supervision "into which the proceeds are paid and which keeps the money from the sale of raw materials until Russia stops the war." After the end of the war, the export of hydrogen to other European countries offers his country "perspectives and growth opportunities," said the energy minister. Ukrainian nuclear power plants are already producing small amounts of hydrogen - "and we are currently building a larger H2 plant. Technologically, this is very feasible." It is more difficult to upgrade the natural gas pipeline system for hydrogen transport, "but that is also possible with large investments". Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is also relying on a major hydrogen initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. Galushchenko called it "really helpful and important that Europe doesn't slam the door on nuclear hydrogen in front of our noses" in the "Tagesspiegel". So-called yellow hydrogen could be an important building block to ensure Europe's energy security. Russia's power over pipelines and gas storage "In the past few weeks, it should have become clear to everyone in Europe that this security cannot be taken for granted," emphasized the Ukrainian minister. But his country is also investing in renewable energies. "We have already built up considerable solar capacity, especially in our sunny south," said Galushchenko. The Ukraine has "great potential for generating electricity from biomass, biogas and hydropower" and can also significantly expand its gas production. Galushchenko said his country had "reliable figures on the potential of two offshore gas fields" with a volume of 350 billion cubic meters and 500 billion cubic meters. "So these are very large deposits and we look forward to using them after the war to make up for the loss of Russian gas - for us, but also for the rest of Europe." Despite the Russian war of aggression, Germany does not want to forego energy supplies from Russia for the time being. However, the federal government insists on paying for energy supplies in euros and not in rubles.