The reshaping of Europe’s energy landscape is accelerating. As data from 2025 confirms, pipeline gas exports from russia have collapsed to historic lows, signaling a permanent structural shift rather than a temporary disruption. For Ukraine and the wider European continent, this "energy divorce" presents both a challenge and a significant opportunity. To guarantee security of supply, Europe must not only diversify its imports but also unlock the untapped potential within its own borders.
SCM is fully committed to driving this transition. Our strategy is built on the concept of an "energy bridge"—a vision articulated by our shareholder, Rinat Akhmetov—which seeks to unite international partners, particularly from the United States, with Ukrainian infrastructure and resources. Today, we are pleased to announce a significant step forward in this mission through a new strategic partnership between our energy business, DTEK, and the American technology firm Turbo Drill Industries.
Deploying US Innovation on the Frontline
Under this agreement, DTEK Oil&Gas has become the exclusive authorised provider of Turbo Drill Industries’ "Vertical Scout" technology in Ukraine. This marks the first time a Ukrainian company has collaborated with the US manufacturer in this format, opening a direct channel for American innovation to support Ukraine’s energy sector.
The "Vertical Scout" system represents a shift in drilling efficiency. It is a mechanical rotary steerable system designed to stabilise well trajectory from the outset, mitigating technical risks and significantly reducing costs at great depths. Estimates suggest this technology can deliver cost savings of up to 30% compared to traditional systems.
However, the value of this partnership extends beyond economics. One of the defining features of this agreement is its resilience. The technology is designed to be deployed by Ukrainian teams without the constant physical presence of foreign specialists. In the context of the ongoing war and the logistical constraints it imposes, this capability is essential. It ensures that Ukraine can continue to develop its natural resources and maintain energy stability regardless of external disruptions.
Unlocking Domestic Potential
Ukraine possesses the second-largest natural gas reserves in Europe. Developing these resources is not merely a matter of national economic interest; it is a contribution to European energy security. Every cubic metre of gas produced in Ukraine reduces the continent's residual need for russian energy.
Igor Schurov, CEO of DTEK Oil&Gas, noted that this partnership allows the company to attract world-class technologies to the domestic sector, ensuring faster, safer, and more cost-effective drilling. This directly supports the goal of transforming Ukraine into a robust energy partner for the EU.
A Unified Strategy
This partnership complements SCM’s broader efforts to integrate Ukrainian and Western energy markets. While DTEK Oil&Gas works to maximise domestic production through US technology, our trading divisions are simultaneously operationalising the "Northern Corridor" to bring US LNG into Eastern Europe.
By combining the import of American gas with the optimisation of Ukrainian extraction and storage, we are creating a flexible, redundant system capable of weathering geopolitical shocks. This is the practical realisation of the energy bridge: a system where US technology and resources meet Ukrainian potential to guarantee stability for the entire region.
