
The University of New England recently welcomed a delegation of Ukrainian energy officials for a tour of UNE’s campus, an overview of the University’s academic programming, and discussions on the University’s initiatives and coursework in the fields of sustainability and renewable energy.
The visit, jointly organized by UNE and the Rotary Club of Biddeford and Saco, took place as part of the Open World Leadership Center program (OpenWorld), an international exchange agency program hosted by the U.S. government that offers cultural exchanges for Eurasian leaders to witness democracy building in action.
UNE welcomed Vladyslav Maksadov, state expert of the Expert Group for the Development of Renewable Energy, Directorate of the Energy Complex and Development of the Electricity Market, Ministry of Energy of Ukraine; Oleksandr Mykhailovsky, head of the Division of Alternative and Renewable Electricity, Development of the Electricity Market Support, Department of the Energy Market, National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC); and Iryna Zolotoverkha, head of department, NEURC.
Snizhana Mykytyn, facilitator for Ukrainian exchange programs with OpenWorld, and OpenWorld translator Olga Shostachuk also joined the delegation.
As part of their time on campus, the delegates met with UNE President James D. Herbert, Ph.D., to discuss the state of renewable energy in America — as their own country grapples with energy challenges amid the ongoing war — and ways UNE makes use of renewable energy sources.