Lessons from Scotland for Ukraine’s Energy Future
The Ukrainian Hydrogen Council welcomes the completion of the Ukraine Recovery & Reconstruction Fellowship Programme of the John Smith Trust, delivered in partnership with The Scottish Government. The programme provided a practical and policy-focused perspective on how hydrogen and renewable energy systems can support long-term recovery, resilience and economic transformation.
Importantly for Ukraine, the fellowship brought together representatives of the Ukrainian hydrogen ecosystem, including members and partners of our Association, enabling direct exchange of experience across legal, regulatory, infrastructure, investment and diplomacy dimensions. Participants included Ivan Bondarchuk (LCF Law Group), Iaroslav Kryl (Hydrogen Ukraine), Viacheslav Luchnykov (UDP Renewables), Oksana Vizitiu (Gas TSO of Ukraine) and Klavdiia Yatsyshyna (H2-diplo – Decarbonization Diplomacy).
Throughout the programme in Scotland, fellows explored how energy transition moves from strategy to implementation: decentralised renewable generation, integration of wind and marine energy, balancing through storage and green hydrogen, and the role of hydrogen in transport, heating and industrial applications. A key takeaway was the emphasis on domestic demand, system resilience and step-by-step scaling - lessons that are particularly relevant for Ukraine as it rebuilds its energy system under conditions of ongoing security risks.
The experience also highlighted the critical role of governance and institutions. Universities, local authorities, infrastructure operators and regulators work closely together to test technologies in real conditions before scaling, ensuring safety, economic viability and public trust. For Ukraine, this approach directly aligns with current priorities: strengthening energy security, reducing vulnerability of centralised systems, and developing regional, resilient energy solutions.
Equally valuable was the cross-regional dialogue, reinforcing that hydrogen development is not only a technological challenge, but also a matter of leadership, coordination and international cooperation.
Participation of our members and partners in this programme strengthens collective expertise and supports the development of realistic, bankable hydrogen pathways for Ukraine. The knowledge, networks and practical insights gained contribute directly to advancing national hydrogen policy, regulatory frameworks and project development, laying foundations for a secure, competitive and sustainable energy future for Ukraine.