Ukraine

Implementation of the “green” tariff for electricity produced from renewable sources in Ukraine in 2010 has been an important stimulus for the development of renewable energy sector, represented by solar, wind, hydro, and bio energy. The state purchases electricity from more than 50 companies, which produce energy from renewable sources. There are 6 solar, 5 wind, more than 30 hydro power stations and several bioenergy stations. At the end of 2011 in Ukraine there were plants with capacities of 117 MW of wind energy, 104 MW of hydro power and 68 MW of bioenergy in operation. The capacity of Ukrainian solar power plants has increased from 3.5 to 188 MW (i.e. 54 times). In 2012 the total output of solar and wind power is expected to increase threefold and to exceed 1000. In 2011 the “green” energy sector was mainly dominated by solar energy plants (SEP); however, in 2012, an increase in wind energy production is expected – the total capacity is expected to exceed 750 MW. In particular, during 2012 solar power capacities are expected to grow by at least 100 MW (on January 1, 2012 the total capacity of SEP was about 188 MW), along with more than 600 MW of wind power capacities (on January 1, 2012 the total capacity was 150 MW). Thus, the total capacity of “green” power production will increase from 340 MW in 2011 to over 1000 MW in 2012. According to the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, the installed capacity of renewable energy power plants, in 2011 increased more than twice, and electricity generation amounted to 332 million kWh