HZB, NaUKMA launch energy and climate laboratory in Kyiv

The Kyiv Energy and Climate Laboratory (KECLab), a research center established by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy (HZB) and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), has begun operations in Kyiv.

According to an HZB Green Deal Ukraina project release, NaUKMA's Academic Council approved the creation of KECLab on November 27.

"KECLab will help advance research and education by drawing on the combined scientific expertise and academic excellence of NaUKMA and HZB. The laboratory is designed to become a modern research and education hub focused on energy and climate, with strong international ties, a strategic investment in Ukraine's European integration and long-term recovery," the release, shared with the EnergoReforma online outlet, stated.

Green Deal Ukraina has been laying the groundwork for KECLab for the past three years. The new lab institutionalizes cooperation between HZB and NaUKMA and will also be open to other international partners.

KECLab's research priorities will include data-based energy and climate analysis, modeling, market design, energy security, EU integration processes, renewable energy development, climate policy, and decarbonization tools.

In education, KECLab will develop a comprehensive academic program, including a master's degree in energy and climate, a future doctoral program, professional training formats, and capacity-building programs for government and civil society at both national and local levels. The lab will also run a practical energy-efficiency component focused on university buildings.

NaUKMA President Serhiy Kvit noted that cooperation between the academy and HZB includes establishing a joint research and educational center and launching relevant master's and doctoral programs.

"We plan to work closely with leading Ukrainian think tanks and other key stakeholders. Our goal is to help create a strong professional expert community in Ukraine and support the development of high-quality energy and climate policy for the Ukrainian government," Kvit said.

KECLab Director Vladyslav Mikhnyh emphasized that at a time when Ukraine's energy system is under unprecedented strain, independent and evidence-based research is a fundamental necessity. He added that a reliable bridge is needed between education, research, and decision-making, one that KECLab aims to provide.

"Together with NaUKMA, we are building a long-term platform that will strengthen Europe's scientific potential and support sustainable, climate-resilient development while deepening scientific cooperation between Germany and Ukraine," said HZB Scientific Director Bernd Rech.

Susanne Nies, head of the Green Deal Ukraina project, noted that KECLab embodies the project's mission and consolidates two years of intensive analytical work supported by Germany's Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

"The laboratory's work will have a strong international dimension, bringing together leading research organizations and experts from Germany, Ukraine, Poland, and other European countries. This cooperation will enhance the quality and independence of energy and climate analysis in Ukraine, supporting evidence-based policymaking and Ukraine's future EU membership," Nies said.