Ihor Vakulenko

Ihor Vakulenko received a Ph.D. in Economics and Management of National Economy at Sumy State University (Sumy, Ukraine). His work was devoted to the organizational and economic principles of smart grid implementation in Ukraine’s energy sector. He worked on issues of decarbonization of the economy through innovative energy development under research funded by the government of Ukraine. As part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers, he developed heat supply schemes for some settlements in Ukraine. Also, he was involved in formulating socio-economic forecasts for the Sumy region of Ukraine.
Currently, Ihor Vakulenko works as a researcher at the Institute of Economic Research of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, where he conducts research within the SASPRO 2 program, which is a Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND Action. He is conducting a study titled “Approaches to smart grids’ dissemination” to find tools to help stakeholders interact more effectively in implementing smart grids.

“The Smart Energy Transition: Analyzing Renewable Capacity Growth Factors Across EU Member States”

The transition to smart energy systems is crucial for addressing climate change and ensuring energy security. Our study focuses on the growth of clean energy capacity, including both renewable and nuclear energy, across EU member states, with particular attention to the role of smart grids. We explore how various factors, including energy prices and socio-economic well-being, influence the expansion of clean energy sources. Our findings suggest that technological advancements and policy support are now more significant in driving clean energy growth than traditional market factors. This observation provides new insights into energy market behavior. Our research highlights the need for tailored approaches to smart grid implementation in different EU countries, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all mindset. By understanding these complex relationships, we can better navigate the path towards a sustainable and secure energy future in Europe.