Naftogaz of Ukraine ex-CEO Kobolev plans to invest in projects focusing on new energy

MOSCOW. Jan 31 (Interfax) - Former CEO of Naftogaz of Ukraine Andrei Kobolev and former head of the energy department of the U.S. embassy to Ukraine Suriya Jayanti have founded the Eney company, which plans to investment in energy decarbonization projects.

"Presently, one of the working ideas is to refocus existing enterprises of the nuclear power sector to the production of "new atom' components (above all, the production of nuclear reactors of new types and electricity storage facilities," Ukrainian media outlets quoted Kobolev as saying in a social media post.

Kobolev said that if the projects he is currently working on are successful, they will help support the Ukrainian economy.

On the Eney website, Kobolev is identified as the company's founder and CEO, while Jayanti as its founder and managing director. According to information on the Eney website, the company's goals are small modular nuclear reactors, CO2 capture, renewable energy, and developing electricity storage capacity.

"Our goals are to replace high greenhouse emission assets with clean alternatives, generate carbon neutral electricity or fuels, capture CO2 and other emissions, and build electricity storage capacity to enhance energy resilience. We will focus on the energy sector, and we will champion U.S. technologies," Ukrainian media said, citing the Eney website.

Kobolev said in mid-January that at the initial stage, his company plans to implement a project in Ukraine in which at least $15 million will be invested.

"We have confirmation of insurance and guarantees that cover non-commercial risks. Our ambitious goal is to implement a project in the near future that will involve at least $15 million of investments in a real asset, which will ensure the generation of an additional amount of electricity in Ukraine," he said.