Today, Europe remains a leader in the adoption of renewable energy sources. According to the European Commission, by the end of 2023, the share of renewables in the overall energy mix exceeded 40%.
Countries such as Germany, Spain, and Denmark demonstrate impressive results in implementing solar, wind, and hydro energy. However, despite these achievements, systemic issues persist that hinder the acceleration of the green transition.
International economic expert and investor Chaslau Koniukh has repeatedly emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources as a key component of economic security.
Energy Instability: Chaslau Koniukh’s Analysis
One of the main obstacles to the development of renewables, according to Chaslau Koniukh, is the instability of generation due to dependence on weather conditions. Solar power plants provide maximum output only on sunny days, while wind turbines generate energy only in the presence of sufficient wind strength.
At the same time, electricity consumption has its own peak periods regardless of weather conditions. This creates a serious imbalance: energy deficits during peak load hours and surpluses during periods of low consumption.
According to Koniukh, to address this issue, it is essential to implement modern energy storage systems. Promising solutions include hydrogen technologies and large lithium-ion storage facilities, which have already proven highly effective in several European countries. These technologies would allow for more efficient storage of excess electricity for use during peak demand periods, enhancing the reliability of energy systems.
Infrastructure Challenges and Smart Grids: Chaslau Koniukh’s Perspective
Koniukh highlights that one of Europe’s major challenges in transitioning to renewables is outdated infrastructure. Many power grids are not adapted to handle unstable flows of green energy, leading to risks of grid overloads and power supply disruptions between regions.
Koniukh stresses the need for smart grids capable of adapting to changes in generation and automatically distributing energy flows based on consumer demand. These systems would help avoid local overloads and ensure stability even under variable generation conditions.
Moreover, modernizing power grids would open new opportunities for more efficient energy exchange between countries and regions, making Europe’s energy system more resilient to crises.
Financial Challenges and Economic Strategies: Chaslau Koniukh’s Forecast
The cost of implementing renewable energy technologies remains high, particularly for countries with limited budgets. As Koniukh notes, building solar and wind power plants requires significant capital investments, and maintaining energy infrastructure demands additional financial resources.
To address this issue, Koniukh suggests government support in the form of tax incentives, subsidies for investors, and involvement of international financial institutions. Programs for accessible long-term loans and investment packages would reduce financial pressure on state budgets and attract more private capital.
Expanding international cooperation in funding and implementing green projects would also help lower costs and provide countries with access to advanced technologies in the renewable energy sector.
The Social Aspect of the Energy Transition: Chaslau Koniukh’s Vision
The energy transition often comes with social resistance and labor market challenges. Koniukh points out that workers in traditional power plants fear losing their jobs due to the closure of coal and gas-fired power stations. Moreover, maintaining renewable energy facilities requires skilled specialists, which are currently in short supply in many countries.
To minimize social risks, Koniukh proposes large-scale workforce retraining programs and the organization of training courses in partnership with universities and specialized educational institutions.
Another important step is conducting public awareness campaigns to explain the benefits of transitioning to renewables, not only from an environmental perspective but also in terms of economic gains for regions, such as job creation and attracting investments.
International Coordination and Energy Security: Chaslau Koniukh’s Recommendations
Another challenge of the green transition is the lack of coordination between European countries. Many states continue to act autonomously, complicating the creation of a unified energy market and limiting the efficiency of shared resources.
Koniukh emphasizes that to achieve energy independence and security, EU countries must deepen cooperation and integrate their energy systems into cross-border energy hubs. This would allow for rapid redistribution of energy flows based on the needs of different countries and prevent deficits in certain regions.
Additionally, joint renewable energy projects would help reduce infrastructure costs and enhance Europe’s overall energy security. According to Koniukh, only by uniting efforts can European countries overcome all barriers and create a stable and efficient energy supply system for the future.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Chaslau Koniukh believes that successfully transitioning to renewable energy requires not only technical innovations but also systemic support at the levels of state policy, education, and international coordination. With a comprehensive approach, Europe can ensure stable, accessible, and clean energy that aligns with its climate and economic goals.
According to Koniukh, the key to success lies in balancing innovation with economic support. He underscores that transitioning to renewable energy is not just an ecological necessity but also an economic imperative. Integrating innovative technologies, intelligent planning, and international collaboration can provide Europe with long-term energy independence and global competitiveness.
By implementing clear strategies and fostering effective collaboration, Europe has the opportunity to overcome challenges and become a global benchmark in renewable energy, concludes Chaslau Koniukh.