Energy security and renewable energy potential of the EU and Ukraine in terms of the Russia’s aggression

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the subsequent energy crisis throughout Europe revealed a dangerous dependence of European countries on Russian energy resources.This resulted in a crucial change in energy strategy of the European Union (EU).Following the REPowerEU strategy, the European Union already decreased Russian gas import by two-thirds (from 45% to 15% of total natural gas import) and plans totally refuse Russian energy supplies "well before the end of the decade".The EU strategy on complete replacement of Russian energy supplies and accelerating implementation of renewable sources of energy is challenging right now but crucial for Europe's long-term energy security.The EU's current binding target to achieve 42.5% of renewable energy sources in the total energy mix by 2030 is in line with the European Green Deal strategy and works on the independence of the EU from Russian energy resources.Ukraine is currently withstanding the worst of the war, including thousands of deaths, millions of refugees, occupied territories, and destroyed infrastructure.National energy security is just one of many challenges facing the country.Following the EU's strategy, Ukraine urgently needs to transform its energy sector in a sustainable manner.Ukraine's current plan to achieve 27% renewables in total energy production by 2030, while less ambitious than the EU's goal, is still a compelling strategy given the country's wartime situation.The country can and should rely heavily on renewable energy sources, including solar and wind generation.Biogas and biomethane production can also play a significant role in replacing natural gas in Ukraine, given the country's vast agricultural potential.Along with a radical increase in energy efficiency, this will transform Ukraine's energy sector into a sustainable and secure one.