The UK government has announced a £17m ($21.25m) investment to boost Ukraine’s energy resilience with low-carbon solutions.
The funding was revealed during UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and will facilitate the second round of the InnovateUkraine competition.
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InnovateUkraine is a challenge fund designed to pilot low-carbon solutions tailored to Ukraine’s energy requirements.
The second round of InnovateUkraine will promote innovative partnerships between British, Ukrainian and international businesses, along with research institutions.
The collaborations aim to develop scaleable and sustainable energy innovations for the future.
Key technologies such as smart green grids, renewable energy generation and renewable heating will be the main focus.
Other areas of interest include green fuels, low-carbon buildings and homes, industrial decarbonisation and the repurposing of current energy infrastructure.
Applications for the second round of InnovateUkraine open in mid-March 2025.
Following a screening process, successful projects will be implemented over 24 months, commencing in late 2025.
The participating teams will benefit from an accelerator programme designed to assist them in attracting further investment.
The first cohort of InnovateUkraine projects is already making a significant impact on the lives of the Ukrainian people by providing reliable and innovative methods for heating and powering buildings.
These initiatives are also inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators in the region.
British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris stated: “I am proud that the UK is further increasing its funding to the Ukrainian energy sector. This latest contribution underpins our commitments under the 100-year partnership, signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in January.
“These projects, led jointly by British and Ukrainian business, universities and civil society, will help both our countries develop clean and sustainable energy solutions for the future.
“InnovateUkraine is a showcase for the forward-looking partnership between our countries. The UK is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for the next century.”
Significant projects include new battery storage technology that can be locally manufactured and has the potential to surpass current alternatives.
There is also a technology for upcycling waste concrete, which can considerably reduce the embodied emissions of new buildings and structures.
A new tool has been developed to improve the efficiency of geothermal energy production in Ukraine, making it more appealing for investment.
