The UK government is investing £16 million for innovations aiming to support the recovery and future stability of Ukraine’s energy system.

The programme’s goal is to rebuild Ukraine’s energy system, displace fossil fuels, and support post-war recovery.

Delivered by a UK-based innovation agency, the programme will leverage an additional £5m in private sector co-investment and involves collaborations between over 50 UK and Ukrainian organisations.

“Today we have a chance to demonstrate that the struggle for energy independence is a fight for the future,” minister of energy Ukraine Herman Halushchenko said.

“The green transition goes way beyond ecology or distributed generation. For Ukraine, this is a matter of national security.

“I am sure that the implementation of the project in the field of green technologies is of great importance for the future cooperation between Ukraine and the UK in the energy sector.”

Some notable projects include developing a new space heating technology for heat pumps, an innovation battery storage solution for renewables, a more targeted approach to harnessing geothermal energy in Ukraine, and work to optimise Ukraine’s bioenergy resources.

The funded projects will have two years to execute their work plans and receive support from an accelerator programme for further investment and market entry.

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By combining the rich science, technology, and innovation heritage of both the UK and Ukraine, this competition aims to address not only Ukraine’s immediate priorities, but also wider global challenges.

“I am proud that the UK continues to support the recovery of the Ukrainian energy sector, particularly after recent brutal attacks from Russia. We want to see it greener and more resilient,” British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris said.

“Our support for these 13 innovations – which bring together the best of British and Ukrainian business, universities, and civil society – will help Ukraine recover in a more sustainable way. These projects showcase the depth and breadth of partnership between our countries.”