SCM’s Chief Reputation Officer Natalya Yemchenko participated in one of the Summit’s Catalyst Conversations alongside former Amb. Jim Glassman
Washington, DC — Last week, SCM partnered with the Meridian International Center on their 13th Annual Global Leadership Summit. The Meridian International Center is one of the most influential non-governmental organizations in Washington, DC, and is committed to strengthening engagement between the United States and the global community through diplomacy and leadership.
As part of the summit, SCM’s Chief Reputation Officer Natalya Yemchenko led a Catalyst Conversation moderated by Former Under Secretary of State Jim Glassman. The Q&A session focused on the geopolitics of energy security and rebuilding critical infrastructure in eastern Europe.
In this discussion, Ms. Yemchenko highlighted how DTEK - the largest private investor in Ukraine’s energy industry and a subsidiary of SCM - is working to rebuild Ukraine’s energy grid in anticipation of what is expected to be the harshest winter in the country in many years. Rebuilding is of particular urgency as Russian attacks have destroyed up to half Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year.
Ms. Yemchenko explained that DTEK is leading Ukraine’s efforts toward energy decentralization by accelerating its investments in renewable assets – most notably windfarms and battery storage technology. The experience of war has demonstrated that dispersed assets like wind turbines are much harder to hit on masse compared to conventional power stations. DTEK has also repaired solar parks hit by russian attacks in a matter of days, versus the weeks and months it might take restore a coal-fired power plant.
“Despite the continuous threat of russian attacks, we have built a new wind power plant which brings clean, secure power to southern Ukraine. Seeing how decentralized energy systems can fortify our energy security we are now doubling down, with a new raft of renewable projects across Ukraine,”
said Ms. Yemchenko.
Ms. Yemchenko also discussed how continued support from international partners is needed to build upon DTEK and the Ukrainian private sector’s existing success in rapid repairs to keep the light and heat on for Ukraine and prevent rolling blackouts.
“Ukraine is doing everything it can, but we need the world’s support to end russia’s energy terror. We urge international partners, and private investors to invest in Ukraine’s energy sector and secure not just Ukraine’s, but Europe’s, energy independence,”
said Ms. Yemchenko.
“I think all of us have admired what the Ukrainians have done in the face of this terrible and illegal invasion. It is really remarkable. But I don't think there is a strong enough understanding of what the private sector has managed to achieve,”
said Amb. Glassman.
As part of their sponsorship, members of SCM also participated in private dinners hosted at the Residences of the Ambassador of Romania and Liechtenstein, respectively, as well as attending the 56th annual Meridian Ball - one of the most prestigious events in Washington D.C.
