On the potential of Ukrainian higher educational establishments to satisfy the demand in personnel for renewable energy development

Abstract

Green energy is a key factor for achieving global sustainable development goals. Energy safety is the basic condition for any state to function and for any economy to grow. Moreover, stable supply of energy resources is a pre-requisite for supporting adequate life quality level for the population, which is the main function of a state. In this context, the problem of training specialists in green energy has become an object of an increasing research interest in many countries, including Ukraine. Ukraine has not been experiencing any specific problems with energy security since gaining independence in 1991, except for minor issues with natural gas supply. However, in autumn and winter of 2022, the necessity to reconstruct the Ukrainian energy safety system became specifically acute. The factor having caused the problem is of a man-made nature and was brought forth by the neighboring state’s military aggression. Russian military forces have been purposefully and methodically devastating the Ukrainian energy infrastructure with missile strikes over the past several months. Thanks to the technical and technological aid offered by partner countries and introducing emergency power outage schedules across the country, Ukrainian energy companies have managed to sustain the energy system in a relatively operational condition for three months by now. Nevertheless, we should envisage the future challenges and build a strategy for the post-war reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy system. Renewable energy sources have a colossal potential and may become a powerful force in the future development of Ukraine’s energy industry. However, in practice, the energy industry must be supplied with a sufficient number of highly professional specialists to realize this opportunity. On the example of Ukrainian HEIs, this article offers an example and a methodology for analysing higher educational establishments’ potential and preparedness to satisfy the predicted demand in personnel and to ensure sustainable development of the renewable energy market. Another finding of this research is the system of markers to measure the success of an educational programme in green energy which can be applied by educational institutions to build the programme enhancement strategy. Also, the authors define directions for perspective development of energy education in Ukraine.