SHIELD

‘Strategic Hydrogen Integration for Effective Low-Carbon Development’

The ‘Strategic Hydrogen Integration for Effective Low-Carbon Development’ (SHIELD) project is a £1.7m FCDO-funded research initiative that focuses on assessing the potential of green hydrogen and ammonia within Ukraine’s energy system. The primary objective of SHIELD is to provide decision support tools to assist the Ukrainian government in balancing its immediate energy needs with its longer-term energy transition goals. This research is designed to inform Ukraine's recovery efforts, offering strategic insights that can guide infrastructure development and policy formulation. Additionally, the findings from SHIELD may serve as a valuable resource for international organisations, enabling them to make informed investment decisions as part of Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery and development.

The project seeks to achieve these objectives by investigating the opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with Ukraine’s engagement in the green hydrogen and ammonia economy, with particular attention to the impact of geopolitical risks on investment, especially in light of the recent changes to Ukraine’s infrastructure. A key focus of SHIELD is the need to balance Ukraine's own energy security with its ambitions to become a key exporter of green hydrogen and ammonia to Europe, ensuring that domestic energy needs are met while capitalising on the country’s potential as a supplier of clean energy.

The project is being led by a consortium of experts from the University of Oxford, University College London, Imperial College London, and the Technical University of Munich, in collaboration with Kiev School of Economics. The Advisory Group will play a critical role in guiding the project and aligning its activities with Ukraine’s national strategies and the broader European energy transition.