Post-war rebuilt Ukraine should become a model of energy efficiency, says German Galushchenko

The Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko took part in the 7th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) together with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark.

The event was also attended by EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jørgensen, government officials from around the world and business representatives.

"The war is forcing the world to rethink the way energy is produced and used. We need more reliable energy sources and smarter approaches to energy consumption. When I say "more reliable", I mean not only "free of russian fossil fuels, but also sustainable, carbon-free and environmentally friendly," said German Galushchenko.

He stressed that Ukraine's energy mix consists of 70% clean energy produced by nuclear generation and renewable energy sources.

"From 2011 to 2021, the share of renewable energy sources in Ukraine increased from 4% to almost 14%," said the Minister. Ukraine also has significant potential for hydrogen production, including green and biomethane. At the same time, Ukraine has achieved great success in implementing energy-saving technologies, in particular, the transition to modern European practices in the field of energy audit and energy management, eco-design has begun, government programs are being developed to reduce energy consumption.

"russia's aggression has shown that energy efficiency is not just about protecting the climate or savings by households. It is also a matter of energy independence, a key component of the state's energy security and sustainable innovation development," the Minister accentuated.

"russia's war waged against Ukraine has damaged and destroyed our energy infrastructure. We have to rebuild it. This will require a lot of effort and investment. At the same time, it will be an opportunity to reshape Ukraine's energy sector in line with the goals of the 21st century in the framework of the European Green Deal. Post-war rebuilt Ukraine should be a model of energy efficiency, a successful example of a green transition," German Galushchenko concluded.