Essay of the Winner of the Contest, Anton Darnytskyi
Ukraine’s energy security is one of the most critical components of the country’s national security and is an integral part of Europe’s energy security.
A country’s energy security means confidence that fuels and electricity of adequate quality are available, affordable, and can be supplied in stable ways under both normal conditions and in emergency situations. In other words, energy security means protecting the state, its citizens, and the economy from an energy deficit.
Reforms in the energy sector, which Ukraine is carrying out today, are aimed at giving the energy complex an impetus for development and integration with European complexes, bringing it into line with EU norms and standards, forming fully functioning competitive natural gas and electricity markets with transparent pricing and adequate protection consumers.
Why is strengthening the energy security of Ukraine important for the country and me personally?
First, energy security determines Ukraine’s economic sustainability and development. The lack of energy may disrupt production processes, increase the costs of goods and services, and put the country’s financial stability under threat. Strengthening energy security decreases the country’s dependence on energy imports, ensures reliable energy supplies, and thus contributes to the stability and development of the national economy.
Second, energy security is a key element of national security. Ukraine faces energy challenges associated with the war initiated by the Russian Federation and limited access to some energy sources. Excessive dependency on energy import may make the country vulnerable to external pressure and potential energy crises. The domestic energy production and supply, as well as the development of alternative energy sources helps to reduce this dependence and ensure Ukraine’s national security.
Third, Ukraine’s energy security directly affects the lives and welfare of Ukrainians. Ensuring a reliable and accessible energy supply will help to provide a comfortable and safe environment. An uninterrupted energy supply is vital for effective district heating, lighting, health care, and transport services.
For me personally, as a Ukrainian citizen, energy security is of extreme importance. Considering last year’s experience, i.e., the regular shelling of the energy infrastructure and destroyed energy facilities, one would hardly expect that we would manage this winter without emergency outages. Yet, we are hoping for the best. In addition, Ukraine’s energy facilities are better protected now.
How can I strengthen Ukraine’s energy security?
In my opinion, the following three key factors should be noted in this context. These are three ways in which any Ukrainians, including me, may strengthen Ukraine’s energy security.
Energy efficiency at home and work: Households and businesses are the biggest energy consumers. Thus, energy-efficient technologies, weatherization programs, and modern heating and air conditioning systems will help cut energy consumption and reduce the country’s energy infrastructure load.
Alternative energy sources: Roof solar panels, wind turbines, and small hydropower plants will increase generation from alternative sources and reduce the dependence on imported coal and gas.
Conscious consumption: Higher awareness of rational energy use and efficiency programs will improve energy consumption practices amongst the general population. It is essential to acknowledge that every kilowatt-hour saved will make the system more energy efficient and reduce the load on the energy sector.