Russian-Georgian Conflict Underscores Need for Ukraine to Slash Reliance on Imports of Russian Energy

On Sept. 15, 2008, Alliance Executive Vice-President Brian Castelli participated in a panel discussion about energy options for Ukraine, hosted by the Washington Group, in conjunction with the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council, and the Ukrainian American Environmental Association.

“A huge potential exists for delivering energy efficiency in Ukraine, as Ukraine has the distinction of being one of the most energy intensive countries in the world – more energy intensive than Russia and more than twice as energy intensive as either China or the United States,” noted Castelli.  “This situation provides Ukrainians with a vast opportunity to install energy efficiency measures in homes, office buildings, factories and industrial processes and reap the benefits of lower costs and fewer emissions.”  

Watch video from the event

Ukraine presently relies on natural gas, oil and nuclear fuel imported from Russia for more than half of its energy needs – a situation that poses serious risks to Ukraine’s national security, as evidenced by the current conflict between Russia and Georgia. The panelists addressed the theme "Achieving National Security for Ukraine Through Energy Independence and Diversification," explored sustainable energy options for Ukraine, and discussed how to raise public awareness about the energy issues facing Ukraine.

The event, which took place on Monday, September 15, 2008, at Johns Hopkins University's Rome Auditorium in Washington, DC, was moderated by Andrew Bihun of Global Trade Development. Speakers included:

• Dr. William S. Woodward, Vice President - Holtec International: Nuclear Energy (pros of nuclear energy)
• Michael Mariotte, Executive Director - Nuclear Information and Resource Service: Nuclear Energy (cons of nuclear energy)
• Edward Chow, Senior Fellow - Center for Strategic and International Studies Energy Program: Fossil Fuels (oil, gas and coal)
• Brian Castelli, Executive Vice President - Alliance to Save Energy: (energy efficiency)
• Ken Bossong, Co-Director - Ukrainian-American Environmental Association: Renewable Energy (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass/biofuels and water power). 

Download Brian's Presentation, "Potential for energy efficiency improvements and investment in Ukrainian end-use sectors" (500 kB PDF).