Euromaidan Press reported that hat eight of the ten dirtiest European coal power plants by particulate matter emissions are in Ukraine, 12 of 30 by sulphur dioxide emissions and 9 of 30 by nitrogen oxide emissions. But the most astonishing fact is that the state continues to subsidize them, instead of investing in new generation methods. However, many of Ukraine’s coal power plants are old and cause significant emissions of sulphur dioxide SO2, nitrogen oxides NOx and other chemicals.

Ukraine is often neglected in global energy reports as compared to dragons such as China. Interestingly, Ukraine still formally complies with its international obligations regarding emissions, and lies in the middle of a global trend towards more renewable energy. But it should be compared with its progressive European neighbours, not with the main world polluter China. Currently, Ukraine, Turkey, and Western Balkan countries are competing in coal power air pollution in Europe, followed by Germany and Poland

According to a report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air claims SO2 and NOx contribute significantly to higher levels of lung diseases in Ukraine.

According to the report by Ember, global wind and solar generation rose strongly in 2020 by 15% (+314 Twh), accounting for almost a tenth (9.4%) of the world’s electricity last year, doubling from 4.6% in 2015. However, last year rapid development of wind and solar generation slowed down in Ukraine because of difficulties with balancing day- and night-time generation from solar power plants – an issue less relevant to fossil or nuclear power generation. This is why the government reduced green tariffs on Ukraine’s market, causing a number of lawsuits from electricity companies. The future of wind and solar generation in Ukraine is unclear. At the same time nuclear and many coal power plants are 35- to 65-years-old and already pose a huge environmental threat.

Ukrainian Coal Power Plants are Dirtiest in Europe

Strategic Research Institute

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