'Why would Putin bomb 50 wind turbines when he can bomb one gas plant?'

The Ukrainian Wind Energy Association has teamed up with Green Power Denmark to boost Ukraine’s energy security and rebuild its decimated energy infrastructure.

A launch ceremony for the memorandum of understanding took place in Copenhagen on Monday – although the actual signing of the document was postponed due to the Ukrainian delegation being delayed after their flight was cancelled.

The signing, timed to align with WindEurope’s annual event commencing in Copenhagen this week, is now expected to go ahead today.

“If we can support Ukraine in recovering in any way, we will do so without hesitation,” said Kristian Jensen, CEO of Green Power Denmark.

“Green Power Denmark is ready to share our world-leading expertise, as well as that of the Danish wind energy sector, in the development and deployment of wind power – because the potential for renewable energy is enormous, and a comprehensive green transition of Ukraine’s energy system is the only viable path to securing the country’s future energy supply.”

Andriy Konechenkov, chair of the Ukrainian association (UWEA): “Ukraine is going through difficult times. The war has damaged our energy system, but it has not broken our spirit. We are rebuilding, and renewable energy plays a key role in this process.”

“Wind power is not only about energy – it is about resilience, independence, security and peace.”

The partnership will involve the exchange of expertise and hands-on experience in wind energy development, with Green Power Denmark and UWEA also establishing training programs, workshops and study tours for Ukrainian energy stakeholders.

Danish expertise, technology, and investment can help Ukraine develop both onshore and offshore wind energy, said Konechenkov.

Jensen said: “Ukraine has set an extremely ambitious goal to expand its supply of green and independent energy, including wind power, by 2030. We have the tools and know-how to help achieve this target. There is no time to waste and no reason to wait for the war to end.”

Since 2014, the Danish Energy Agency, in collaboration with the Danish embassy in Ukraine, has provided practical expertise and supported the development of Ukrainian knowledge and capacity in areas such as energy efficiency, long-term energy planning, and the integration of renewable energy.

Russia has battered Ukraine’s power system since launching its full scale invasion of the country in 2022, targeting gas-fired plants and hydropower facilities.

Speaking at the MOU launch yesterday, Morten Dyrholm, currently vice president for global marketing and public affairs at Vestas, said that his company’s work in Ukraine was one of the proudest moments of his professional career.

“I don’t think I ever realised how important cleantech assets can be in a warzone. I had no idea that was part of my value proposition. But the fact that you can build decentralised systems that are resilient at least compared to gas or coal or fossil fuels, at least in a war… because why would Putin bomb 50 turbines when he can bomb one gas plant.”