Prime Minister tackles with experts ways to liberalize and upgrade energy sector of the country

Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman discussed with experts the ways of reforming the energy sector and mechanisms of energy market liberalization.

"Our energy independence is of peculiar importance to our country", said Volodymyr Groysman.

The Government undertook efforts to reduce the energy dependence of the country last year, noted the Prime Minister. In particular, the achievements were drafting and approving the Concept of development of gas industry of Ukraine until 2020, which envisages boosting production of Ukrainian gas and reduction of import.

Speaking about the reform of the energy sector, the Prime Minister noted the need to build an integrated approach, thereby enabling to address all existing problems. In particular, in his opinion, the country needs a clear strategy to maintain proper operation of the mines, to improve equipment of miners, to introduce a transparent market for coal, settle issues of the import of electricity.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to ensure institutional framework and provide transparency of the electricity market. The Government is willing to achieve that, he emphasized.

Pursuant to the commission of the Prime Minister, Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Ihor Nasalyk will shortly present a plan for the modernization of mines in the country. This year the Government has planned in the budget UAH 1.8 billion on the restructuring of mines, said the Head of Government.

"We must build an efficient work in Ukraine to sell coal. We have an idea of creating a platform where we could carry out a public auction for coal. Relevant work is being conducted within the Government”, said Volodymyr Groysman. “I think a few components: the restructuring of mines and restoring order there, launching new mechanisms for trade and creating conditions for the import [of power energy] – all these will lead to a positive result."

The meeting’s participants also discussed the challenges that arose as a result of the energy blockade.

In the discussion were participating Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Kistion, Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Ihor Nasalyk, Executive Director of the Office of Reforms of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Anton Yashchenko, experts from various organizations.