Energy self-sufficiency as a strategic priority for the resilience of Ukrainian cities: legal framework

Abstract

This article analyzes the legal foundations of energy autonomy as a strategic approach to building the resilience of Ukrainian cities. It defines the concept of “urban energy autonomy” and outlines the measures of the European Action Plan for Affordable Energy for their subsequent incorporation into Ukraine’s energy legislation. This article presents the results of a review of promising draft laws in the energy sector, which focus on: – strengthening Ukraine’s energy independence; – promoting the development of energy crop cultivation; – stimulating the development of low-carbon energy; – energy recovery from waste; – assisting public utility and energy infrastructure enterprises; – providing energy services under martial law; – facilitating the restoration of Ukraine’s alternative energy infrastructure; – stimulating the production of alternative biofuels; – enhancing supply security, competitiveness, and the integration of energy markets; – energy infrastructure projects of public interest; – the implementation of EU legislation. It is noted that the Strategy for the Development and Implementation of Smart Cities in Europe should be viewed as a tool that will play a decisive role in ensuring the resilience not only of individual cities but also of Ukraine as a whole. Strategic directions for the energy autonomy of EU countries and cities have been established, and current European energy trends have been identified: – the spread of residential renewable energy sources and energy storage systems; – the implementation of smart energy systems; – the development of local, environmentally sustainable energy sources. The factors that have actually emerged and influence the energy policies of specific cities have been systematized. Recommendations have been proposed for the energy supply of Ukrainian cities, based on the use and implementation of energy autonomy for urban territorial communities, strategic planning with the definition of long-term goals, rooftop and facade solar power plants, distributed generation facilities, and tools such as customs and credit incentives and grant support.