URC 2026 ENERGY PLATFORM

The discussion will focus on the pressing challenges of protecting critical energy infrastructure from threats under wartime conditions. Drawing on firsthand experience, the participants will discuss practical strategies for mitigating threats, rapid recovery, and ensuring the stability of the energy grid. 

The discussion will explore the strategic transition to distributed generation as a vital mechanism for ensuring the survival of Ukraine's energy sector and its long-term recovery. The dialogue will focus on aligning the necessary technological solutions, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships to accelerate this transformation.

The session will focus on the role of Ukraine’s oil and gas sector in strengthening both national and regional energy security under conditions of ongoing geopolitical and infrastructure risks. The discussion will explore how strategic cooperation between Ukraine, Poland, international financial institutions and private energy companies can support the development of gas production, storage, supply diversification, and resilient infrastructure. The session will also address investment conditions, financing instruments and the role of the oil and gas sector within the broader architecture of Europe’s future energy security.

The segment will focus on redefining energy security in the context of ongoing threats and systemic transformation. It will highlight the need to build a resilient, decentralized energy system capable of operating under crisis conditions. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating integration with the European energy market. The discussion will set the political direction for Ukraine’s energy transition, aligning security, recovery, and long-term system transformation.

Presentation of Ukraine’s Energy Strategy, developed by the World Bank, outlining a new system architecture designed for resilience under conditions of ongoing security risks. At the core of the Strategy is the concept of “energy cells” - a network of autonomous or semi-autonomous regional clusters capable of maintaining the operation of critical infrastructure even in the event of damage to the centralized grid.

This practical session is designed to provide potential suppliers with a comprehensive overview of procurement opportunities under the Ukraine Energy Support Fund (the Fund), managed by the Energy Community Secretariat (EnCS).

This session will focus on the practical conditions required to accelerate private sector investment into Ukraine’s low-emission energy transition, with particular attention to renewable energy generation, BESS, market reforms and investment mobilization mechanisms. A dedicated part of the discussion will focus on the joint EBRD-World Bank Group RAMP UP initiative as a practical framework for scaling renewable energy deployment in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s energy recovery will depend not only on rebuilding generation assets, but also on restoring, modernizing and better integrating the infrastructure that connects markets, systems and regions. The war has shown that resilient energy corridors, cross-border interconnectors and well-coordinated transmission infrastructure are essential for maintaining security of supply, enabling emergency support and supporting long-term integration with the European energy system.

The discussion will focus on the strategic role of electricity, gas, oil and fuel infrastructure in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and its integration with the EU. 

The panel will be focused on real life cases of implementation of new energy technologies and their relevance to the reconstruction and development of the energy sector in Ukraine.

To become fully integrated into Europe’s energy market, Ukraine faces a dual challenge: rebuilding a system damaged by Russian attacks while pushing ahead with reforms required for EU accession. This panel will examine how Kyiv can balance urgent wartime priorities - including energy security and winter preparedness - with the longer-term task of aligning the sector with EU standards, strengthening market competitiveness and attracting investment. Speakers will also explore what conditions are needed to unlock greater foreign investment in Ukraine’s energy sector, and which areas could give the country a competitive edge within the wider European market.