A UK university has pledged to help restore Ukraine’s war-shattered energy infrastructure.
Heriot-Watt University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Geothermal Ukraine, a non-profit research and development organisation focused on geothermal energy projects, based in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk.
Both parties have agreed to work together to develop, modernise, and safeguard the beleaguered nation’s renewable energy sector.
Professor Igor Guz, executive dean of the university’s School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, said: “With the signing of this MoU we embark on a journey to restore Ukraine’s war-torn energy landscape.
“Together, through the power of geothermal energy, we pledge to modernise and restore the very foundation that sustains a nation. This collaboration exemplifies the true essence of academia, transcending borders to bring about positive change for generations to come.”
According to the university, research and development of geothermal energy sources, as well as other innovative energy solutions, will contribute to rebuilding Ukraine’s energy sector, and help the country overcome an energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion.
Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy taken from the Earth’s subsurface. It comes from heat generated during the original formation of the planet, and the radioactive decay of materials. The thermal energy is stored in rocks and fluids within the earth that, when extracted, provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy.
Heriot-Watt University was selected for the MoU for its expertise in geo-energy, innovation, and research. It is claimed the partnership will enhance and strengthen Ukraine’s energy security by implementing low-carbon transition solutions.
Professor Vasily Demyanov from Heriot-Watt’s Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering said: “There is an opportunity for the university to offer its renowned expertise in subsurface energy to help where there is a great need.
“We are committed to playing our part in rebuilding Ukraine’s post-war energy infrastructure and assisting the Ukrainian people overcome the challenges of energy shortages caused by the war.”
Under the MoU, the collective expertise, resources, and innovation of both parties will be leveraged to conduct research and development activities, and accelerate the development of geothermal energy in Ukraine, the university explains.
It will also focus on developing a flexible and autonomous distributed energy system.
Main image: A geothermal power station in Iceland
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