The Government is responding to energy challenges with effective programmes to support businesses and the public.

This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a meeting of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine.

In particular, he outlined five key areas of the Government’s work in the energy sector.

“Rapid restoration of power facilities. The Ministry of Energy has approved all plans and repair programmes for thermal, hydro and nuclear power generation. The second area is the protection of facilities and the increase in air defence. The third area is the development of a decentralised energy system. These are new opportunities for people, businesses and communities. The fourth area is to increase electricity imports from Europe to 2.2 GW. The fifth area is to raise funds and get equipment from partners,” said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister spoke in detail about the programmes for households and businesses that were already in place and would be launched in the near future.

• interest-free loans for citizens for solar panels and wind turbines with a capacity of up to 10 kW. Loans of up to UAH 480,000 for 10 years without collateral, at 0% per annum;
• under the GreenDIM programme, the state compensates homeowners with UAH 1 million for solar panels and UAH 2 million for heat pumps. This covers up to 70% of the project cost. The Government has also worked out a decision to lend up to UAH 5 million to condominiums;
• 5-7-9% loans for small and medium-sized businesses to install gas-fired power generation units. Up to UAH 150 million for a term of up to 10 years at 5-9% with a 6-12-month loan repayment grace period. Even more favourable terms will apply in the frontline areas;
• lending to large businesses for 5-7 years at an interest rate of 14-16% for the development of alternative power generation;
• exemption of energy equipment from import duties and VAT. The relevant amendments to the legislation have been filed with the Parliament. The rules will be in force for individuals and businesses until early 2026;
• the timeframe for obtaining technical specifications for connection to the power grid has been reduced from 10 to 2 days, the number of documents has been reduced from 7 to 2, the timeframe for providing connection to the gas distribution system has been reduced to 1 month, and there is no need to undergo land allocation procedures and environmental impact assessments;
• a hotline and a website with information on new opportunities will be launched.

Denys Shmyhal noted that this whole set of measures would be in place no later than 25 July.

He also thanked the communities for their support of the Ukrainian energy sector and expressed his belief that together, central and local authorities will make it more sustainable.