Strengthening energy security and improving access to key clean tech, as well as the situation in Ukraine and Moldova, were the main topics of the informal meeting of energy ministers in Warsaw on 12-13 May.
Ukraine and Moldova
The ministers discussed the challenges related to the energy resilience of Moldova and Ukraine, particularly in the context of their continued integration with the European Union.
Member states underlined the importance of learning from last winter and beginning preparations for the upcoming cold season without delay. Ukraine must be supported not only in its efforts to repair infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks, but also in building a modern, decentralised energy system based on renewable sources.
As part of their path toward EU membership, Ukraine and Moldova are required to implement key EU energy legislation, particularly in the area of energy markets. Despite the challenges, such as Ukraine losing over 50 per cent of its electricity and gas generation capacity and Moldova’s continued dependence on Russian energy supplies, both countries have made significant progress.
Energy security
Source: Polska 2050
Several aspects of energy security were also the focus of discussions. “The recent blackout in Spain and Portugal showed that energy security is a challenge for all of Europe – a challenge that is not only economic and geopolitical, but also technological and infrastructural,” said Polish Minister of Climate and Environment Paulina Hennig-Kloska, who chaired the meeting.
During the working session on strengthening energy security through better access to key clean technologies, ministers exchanged views with Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency. He presented the key findings of the IEA’s latest report The State of Energy Innovation 2025, which indicates that Europe could become a leader in the production of key components for the energy transition – such as batteries, electrodes, PV modules and electrolyser components – provided that investment is accelerated and administrative barriers are removed.