Renewable energy sources (RES), often called “green energy”, are becoming a key element not only of the global but also of the Ukrainian energy system. While RES were previously seen as expensive and unreliable, they are now a fully competitive market participant. The main RES include solar energy, wind energy, biomass, and hydropower (Grinchenko, 2023, p. 45). Their main advantage is that they are practically inexhaustible and cause minimal environmental pollution, which is crucial for the future. Thus, the purpose of the paper is to study the key advantages and challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into Ukraine's energy system, as well as to analyze the technological and economic conditions necessary for their successful development.

In Ukraine, Solar Power Plants (SPP) and wind energy occupy a special place. SPP technologies have become much more affordable, and today solar panels can be seen not only on roofs but also on large industrial fields. Wind energy, particularly in the southern and coastal regions, is highly potent. Modern, large wind turbines have a high-capacity factor, allowing them to produce significant amounts of energy (Shevchenko, 2022).

The transition to RES allows us to reduce our dependence on imported gas and coal. This directly affects the country’s energy security, which is critically important right now. The development of decentralized generation (small SPPs and wind turbines connected to local grids) makes our energy system more resilient to damage and accidents.

Of course, RES have their challenges. The main one is their intermittency, meaning their dependence on weather (when there is no sun or wind, energy is not generated). This problem is solved by installing Energy Storage Systems (ESS), such as large batteries. They can store energy during the day or when the wind is strong to release it into the grid when needed (World Energy Forum, 2024).

Furthermore, integrating a large volume of RES requires the modernization of outdated electrical grids. They must become “Smart Grids” to manage energy flows in both directions.

Therefore, RES is not just a trend but a necessary step toward Ukraine’s stable energy future. Investments in these technologies, though significant, are necessary to ensure the reliability and environmental sustainability of our energy system for years to come.

References:

1. Grinchenko, S. S. (2023). Fundamentals of Renewable Energy. Kharkiv: Technology.
2. Shevchenko, A. I. (2022). Wind and Solar Energy: Economic Aspects. Lviv: Science and Practice.
3. World Energy Forum. (2024). The Role of Energy Storage in Decentralized Grids. Retrieved from: https://energyforum.org.ua/reports/accumulating_2024