Geoffrey Pyatt, Chair of the Advisory Council at our energy company DTEK and former US Ambassador to Ukraine, has told Forbes Ukraine that Ukraine should be seen as a country that can help build Europe's energy capacity, not as a recipient of aid. He pointed to Ukraine's role as an energy producer, its gas storage – the largest in Europe – and its technical expertise. He also highlighted DTEK's record of delivering large projects during the war, including the Tyligulska Wind Power Plant and the largest battery energy storage systems in Ukraine.
What did Geoffrey Pyatt say about Ukraine's role in European energy security?
Mr Pyatt said that Ukraine can make a direct contribution to Europe's energy security. "Ukraine should be seen not as a recipient of aid, but as a country that can help build Europe's capacity," he said. Mr Pyatt is a former US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources and former US Ambassador to Ukraine. He explained that "Ukraine plays an interesting role in all of these issues, because it is a producer, has the largest storage in Europe and a lot of technical expertise".
How can Ukraine's gas storage support Europe?
Ukraine's gas storage can help Europe meet its commitments to stop buying russian gas. "With its gas storage facilities, Ukraine will become a hub for Central and Eastern Europe," Mr Pyatt said. DTEK's D.TRADING was among the first companies to bring gas through the floating regasification unit in Alexandroupolis, Greece.
What large projects has DTEK delivered during the war?
DTEK has continued to build major energy projects despite the war. Mr Pyatt pointed to "DTEK's ability to deliver very large and complex projects even during the war. This is an important signal for the business community and investors." He noted that the "Tyligulska Wind Power Plant will generate about 500 MW this winter, the largest private investment by any company in Ukraine in a decade". DTEK also built the largest battery energy storage systems in Ukraine – 200 MW across six sites – in only six months. The project received landmark financing from the US Development Finance Corporation.
Why does EU membership matter for Ukraine's energy security?
Mr Pyatt sees closer integration with the European Union as the strongest guarantee of Ukraine's energy security. He described "Ukraine's membership in the European Union and further development of relations with the rest of the EU energy system" as "the best insurance for energy security that Ukraine can buy".
What can Ukraine offer Europe's energy system?
From gas infrastructure and renewable energy to critical minerals, Ukraine has the resources, expertise and investment potential to contribute to a stronger, more resilient European energy system. The full interview with Geoffrey Pyatt is available on Forbes Ukraine.
