Our energy company DTEK has published its first Energy Transition Plan, setting out how Ukraine can build a more secure, resilient and lower-carbon energy system while recovering from war and moving closer to Europe. The plan commits DTEK to a 42% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 25% cut in Scope 3 emissions by 2035, on a path to net zero by 2050. It was published ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, where investment in the country's reconstruction is high on the agenda.
What does DTEK's Energy Transition Plan set out?
The plan describes how DTEK will contribute to Ukraine's energy transformation through four priorities: a managed phase-out of coal, scaling investment in renewables, modernising electricity networks, and deploying lower-carbon technologies such as battery storage and smart metering. It aligns with Ukraine's national climate and energy objectives and follows Science Based Targets initiative guidance consistent with the Paris Agreement.
What are the emissions targets?
By 2035, DTEK aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% from a 2023 baseline. By 2050, it targets a 90% reduction across all three Scopes, reaching net zero. DTEK's coal policy commits the company to retiring its thermal power units and cutting thermal coal production to zero by the end of 2035, in line with Ukraine's national commitment to phase out coal power generation.
Why does this matter during wartime?
russia has deliberately targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure throughout the war, and DTEK's assets remain under almost continuous attack. This reality shapes the plan, which is built around the need for a more flexible, decentralised and resilient system. Since the full-scale invasion began, DTEK has invested €2.4 billion in renewables, battery storage, grid modernisation and energy restoration.
What is the wider opportunity for Ukraine and Europe?
Writing in the Kyiv Independent this week, DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko argued that Ukraine's energy system is not in survival mode but is building Europe's energy future. With Europe set to end imports of russian natural gas next year, Ukraine — home to the continent's largest underground gas storage and its second-largest gas reserves — is well-placed to become a strategic energy partner to the EU. Mr Timchenko noted that investment returns in Ukraine's energy sector could reach tens of billions of euros over the next decade.
