The traditional energy sector, which relies on coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants, has a significant negative impact on the environment. It has already caused air and water pollution, food shortages, the climate crisis, and radioactive contamination of land. To stop these processes, we must implement modern and safe alternatives – renewable energy sources (RES).
RES are inexhaustible and environmentally friendly. They contribute to Ukraine’s energy independence, as they do not require constant fuel imports — uranium, gas, or coal. Renewable energy can ensure sufficient production of heat and electricity for industry, households, transport, and agriculture. Moreover, RES foster the creation of new jobs in the installation and maintenance of energy-efficient systems.
Ecoaction’s Energy Department advocates for a full transition to renewable energy, following the principle of “Energy Efficiency First.” We urge state authorities to support the development of decentralised energy generation and build coalitions of civil society organisations and local governments to achieve this goal. We also strive to hold the Ukrainian nuclear industry accountable for paying for radioactive waste disposal and for accumulating sufficient funds to safely decommission power plants in the future.
Relevant Campaigns:
# Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a strategic campaign aimed at improving how energy is used in residential buildings through legislative initiatives and state support. For Ukraine, a radical increase in energy efficiency, combined with the development of renewable energy, serves as a roadmap towards energy independence and climate resilience.
Smart energy consumption is a crucial step towards reducing overall energy production and economic costs. Implementing energy efficiency measures helps lower energy bills, improve buildings’ comfort, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease dependence on imported energy resources.
Ukraine is actively working to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings through national programs and legislative changes. Ecoaction supports these efforts and encourages Ukrainian citizens to join the transition by adopting energy-saving and energy-efficient solutions in their homes.
# Renewable Energy
Ecoaction advocates for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels and a gradual shift from nuclear energy through energy efficiency improvements and a transition to 100% renewable energy sources (RES). This is the key to overcoming the climate crisis, protecting the environment, and ensuring Ukraine’s energy security.
Unlike nuclear and fossil fuel energy, RES do not harm the environment and are inexhaustible. Wise use of renewable resources will support global energy stability without conflicts over scarce fossil fuel reserves.
We are convinced that a transition to 100% RES within the next 25 years is both achievable and essential for Ukraine. This is confirmed by the findings of Ukrainian and international research.
Solar and wind energy have already reached the necessary technological and economic levels for widespread deployment. They meet the growing demand for electricity and are replacing outdated coal capacities. Combined with other renewable sources (such as geothermal and sustainable bioenergy) and energy storage technologies, RES can fully cover all of society’s energy needs.
Ecoaction’s activities focus primarily on fostering the development of decentralised renewable energy generation, where citizens and businesses produce electricity themselves. We aim to involve as many local communities, enterprises, individual households, and apartment buildings as possible in the growth of renewable energy.
100% RES in Ukraine is possible. We work to:
- Reduce Ukraine’s dependence on fossil fuels;
- Develop energy democracy;
- Support the creation of energy communities;
- Influence laws and state policies;
- Promote smart energy storage and use;
- Educate and inspire people to act.
# Nuclear Energy campaign
Ecoaction opposes the construction of new nuclear power units and the lifetime extension of old nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Ukraine.
Aging nuclear reactors pose increasing risks of accidents — both during regular operation and under the threat of massive Russian missile attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Additionally, Ukraine still lacks sustainable solutions for managing radioactive waste.
Ecoaction campaigns against the artificial underpricing of “nuclear kilowatts.” The tariff for electricity produced by NPPs must reflect the full costs of decommissioning and radioactive waste disposal.
We work to raise public awareness about the real threats of nuclear energy and the inevitability of its phase-out. Until the true cost of nuclear power is acknowledged and compared to the alternatives offered by renewable energy, Ukrainian society will continue to bear the burden of billions UAH in unnecessary expenses, while future generations remain exposed to radiation risks.
# Opposition to the completion of new nuclear units at Khmelnytskyi NPP
The Ukrainian government is attempting to revive the long-stalled project to complete units #3 and #4 at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Ecoaction’s goal is to prevent this from happening. Why are we against it?
It is dangerous: the project is based on outdated designs from the 1980s and would rely on structures that are over 30 years old. The safety and integrity of these old structures have not been properly verified, posing serious risks.
It is expensive: globally, the cost of building nuclear power plants continues to rise due to increasing technological complexity and stricter safety requirements. Ukraine will not be an exception—this project will demand enormous investments with high chances of further cost overruns.
It undermines Ukraine’s energy independence: the government plans to use Russian-made reactors, currently stored in Bulgaria, for the construction. This would create a long-term dependence on the Russian manufacturer, especially in case of spare parts shortages or technical issues. Moreover, buying Russian equipment would undermine Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia economically and politically. Such a decision would be difficult to justify to our international partners.
Ecoaction urges the Ukrainian government to stop wasting resources on this dangerous and economically unviable project. Instead, efforts should focus on preparing a safe alternative to aging nuclear plants by developing renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency across all sectors.
Already today, traditionally “nuclear” countries such as the United Kingdom, China, Japan, and the Netherlands generate more electricity from renewables than from nuclear power. Ukraine must follow this global trend towards sustainable energy.
Ecoaction collaborates with government officials and members of parliament to advocate for the cancellation of plans to build units #3 and #4. We gather facts, present evidence, and inform Ukrainian society about the real costs and risks associated with this project.
# Just Transition of Coal Communities
The concept of “just transition” is a development model aimed at ensuring decent living conditions and fair wages for all workers and communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels — such as the closure of coal-fired power plants, coal mines, and related industries.
The Ukrainian government plans to phase out coal in electricity generation by 2035. Once this happens, coal communities will face challenges with employment, retraining of dismissed workers, and overall socio-economic stability. Past mine closures in Ukraine show that these processes were often carried out without adequate support programs, leading to serious social, economic, and environmental consequences.
The full-scale war has further exacerbated the situation. The coal sector is already losing jobs due to the destruction and occupation of power plants and mines. This makes it urgent to implement just transition programs as part of Ukraine’s broader green recovery. At the same time, coal regions have potential for creating green jobs, including the localisation of renewable energy equipment production.
Ecoaction advocates for establishing constructive dialogue between national and local authorities, civil society organisations, and local communities in coal regions. We also explore ways to support other carbon-intensive, mono-industrial communities that will be affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
Together, these stakeholders must address key challenges:
- Reconversion of coal territories,
- Attracting investment for new types of economic activities to replace fossil fuel industries,
- Employment opportunities,
- Retraining and upskilling of affected workers.
Ecoaction works to:
- Engage stakeholders in just transition processes;
- Share Ukrainian and international examples of successful just transition practices;
- Support transformational initiatives of coal communities and local civil society organisations;
- Unite Ukrainian civil society around the idea of just transition.