Ukraine plans to develop renewable energy generation, hydrogen-transshipping infrastructure in maritime zone

MOSCOW. July 18 (Interfax) - Ukraine's latest maritime security strategy envisages implementing renewable energy projects and developing maritime infrastructure for transshipping liquefied gas, particularly hydrogen, Ukrainian media reported, citing the corresponding published document.

The document indicates that projects to generate energy from renewable sources are expected to be implemented in Ukraine's exclusive marine economic zone, particularly as part of creating systems for micro grid distribution based on "smart grids". Ukraine also intends to collaborate internationally in order to study the possibilities of developing maritime infrastructure to transship liquefied gas.

Furthermore, the document indicates that the forecast hydrocarbon resources on Ukraine's shelf of the Azov and Black seas, respectively, are estimated at 2.3 billion tonnes of conventional fuel, which is approximately 40% of the country's entire oil and gas resources. Meantime, only 4%-5% of the deposits within Ukraine's area on the Black Sea shelf have been notably explored. Projected natural gas resources total 1.751 trillion cubic meters and explored reserves total 48 billion cubic meters within Ukraine's exclusive maritime economic zone.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on July 17 signed a decree to implement the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) on the latest strategy for the country's maritime security.