Ukraine interested in drawing Slovak investments in renewable energy development in Zakarpattia - Energy Ministry

MOSCOW. Aug 1 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Deputy Energy Minister Yaroslav Demchenkov and First State Secretary of Slovakia's Ministry of Economy Peter Svec have discussed the prospect of expanding Slovak companies' operations in the Zakarpattia region, including projects to enhance the potential of wind power for electricity generation.

"There is strong export and import potential between our countries, and we are working to expand energy corridors and create infrastructure projects of common interest in both the electricity and gas sectors, including renewable gases," Ukrainian media quoted Demchenkov as saying in remarks at the meeting that were circulated by the Energy Ministry on Monday.

Since the start of the crisis, more than 200 enterprises have relocated to Zakarpattia from other Ukrainian regions, as a result of which electricity consumption has been growing in Zakarpattia, the ministry said.

"Therefore, there is a need to focus on additional capacity, creating balancing systems, strengthening grids, implementing new infrastructure projects, and developing the production of equipment needed to accelerate the green transition," it said.

Recently, one of the communities in Zakarpattia held public hearings, at which a positive response was given to the idea of creating a wind park to cover its own demand and electricity exports, the ministry said.

"The potential of bioenergy is also being explored," it said.