Signing of a coal contract is the practical implementation of strategic agreements in energy sector between Ukraine and the United States

On July 31, 2017, an agreement between PJSC Centrenergo and XCoal Energy & Resources company from Pennsylvania on the supply of coal from America to Ukraine was signed at the US Embassy in Ukraine.

The conclusion of the historic deal took place with the participation of US Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine George Kent and Deputy Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine on European Integration Natalia Boyko, as well as representatives of the Ministry and interested companies.

US Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine George Kent congratulated XCoal and Centerenergo for the successful concluding of this contract.

The Head of the diplomatic mission stressed that this is an important step towards strengthening Ukraine's energy security, which is the latest example of how close cooperation between the two countries could be mutually beneficial. "U.S.-origin coal can provide a secure, reliable, and competitive energy source for the Ukrainian people. For Ukraine, U.S. coal will bolster critical stockpiles for the winter heating season", said George Kent.

Moreover, Charge d'Affaires George Kent reminded: “Since 2014 the United States has intensified cooperation with the Ukrainian government to reduce dependence on Russia. We hope that this deal augurs even deeper cooperation between our two countries in this critical sector”.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Natalia Boyko, in turn, congratulated representatives of the companies, noting that due to this agreement, Ukraine will be capable of substantial reinforcement of its energy security. "Cooperation with the United States is primarily aimed at strengthening Ukraine's energy security. Today's landmrk signing of the contract is the first tangible result following strategic agreements between President Poroshenko and President Trump in the energy sector”, the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Natalia Boyko noted that American coal is a step towards smooth functioning of the energy sector of Ukraine, which, due to hybrid aggression by Russia, has partially lost its coal industry. "In this situation, vigorous actions of the Government gave an opportunity both to endure a complex heating season avoiding rotating outages and to start re-equipping of units to G coal, as well as to diversify supplies", Natalia Boyko accentuated.

It should be noted that arrangements on import of anthracite coal to Ukraine were made during the visit of the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to the USA, with Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Igor Nasalyk as member of the Ukraine’s delegation.

The parties drew attention to the fact that it would be the first time when coal will be supplied to Ukraine from the United States. The deal creates additional opportunities for diversifying supplies and providing Ukraine with energy resources, as well as expanding cooperation with potential US partners that proves the parties' mutual interest in this issue.