This thesis explores the implementation of energy-saving technologies and practices in three European countries – Spain, Ukraine, and the Netherlands. These countries demonstrate different but complementary approaches to achieving energy efficiency, introducing renewable energy, and integrating innovative technologies into their national energy systems.

Spain. Spain is one of the European leaders in developing solar energy and hybrid renewable projects. The country is expanding large photovoltaic (PV) parks and solar power plants, supported by both government initiatives and private investments. Recently, Spain has launched several hybrid energy projects that combine solar and hydroelectric power generation to increase grid stability and energy storage efficiency (UHE Media Center, 2023). The government continues to support large-scale PV installations and battery storage systems, promoting them through favorable tariffs and financial incentives. However, challenges remain related to grid integration, system balancing, and the reform of the electricity market model (López-González et al., 2023).

Ukraine. Ukraine’s energy-saving strategy combines several key approaches: comprehensive energy audits, modernization of heating and electrical systems, and the introduction of ESCO (Energy Service Company) mechanisms. The country is also developing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy, as well as distributed energy resources (DERs). According to the White Paper on Distributed Energy Resources by UNDP (2022), Ukraine has established national and international frameworks that encourage local energy production and self-consumption.
However, major barriers remain – namely limited access to financing, an underdeveloped regulatory framework, and difficulties in integrating renewable technologies into the existing energy infrastructure (State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine [SAEE], 2023).

The Netherlands. The Netherlands is recognized for its large-scale development of offshore wind energy, the adoption of green hydrogen technologies, and the creation of smart grids. The country enforces strict energy efficiency standards for buildings and promotes the construction of zero-energy housing. It also supports the use of heat pumps, battery storage, and community-based energy cooperatives (Ecotechnica, 2021). Government programs encourage businesses and citizens to invest in renewable technologies by offering tax incentives and grants for solar panels and heat pumps. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including the high cost of offshore projects, limited grid capacity, and the need for more advanced energy storage solutions (López-González et al., 2023).

Conclusion. Each of these countries demonstrates a unique path toward sustainable energy transition. Spain focuses on solar–hydro integration and large-scale renewable deployment, Ukraine prioritizes decentralization and local energy independence, and the Netherlands leads in technological innovation and smart energy systems. Together, their experiences highlight the critical role of policy support, investment, and innovation in advancing energy-saving technologies for a greener and more resilient future.

References:

1. Ecotechnica. (2021, October). The world’s most powerful offshore wind turbine has started operating in the Netherlands. https://ecotechnica.com.ua/uk/energy/veter/samyj-moshchnyj-v-mire-offshornyj-vetryak-zarabotal-v-niderlandakh
2. López-González, L., Rubio, F., & Serrano, A. (2023). Hybrid renewable energy systems in Spain: Integrating solar, hydro, and storage technologies. Energies, 16(22), 8123. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16228123
3. State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE). (2023, July). The development of renewable energy sources and green hydrogen in Europe in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine. https://saee.gov.ua/news/rozvitok-vidnovliuvanix-dzerel-energiyi-ta-zelenogo-vodniu-u-jevropi-bude-priskoreno
4. United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (UNDP). (2022). White Paper: Distributed energy resources and technologies — Creating preconditions for their optimal use in Ukraine. https://www.undp.org/uk/ukraine/publications/bila-knyha-rozpodileni-enerhetychni-resursy-ta-tekhnolohiyi
5. UHE Media Center. (2023, August). Spain to build first hybrid plant generating energy from solar and hydro resources. https://uhe.gov.ua/media_tsentr/novyny/v-ispaniyi-zbuduyut-pershu-hibrydnu-ustanovku