Prospects for cooperation between Ukraine and Spain in the field of energy efficiency and "clean" energy is the topic of a round table initiated by the Embassy of Ukraine in Spain as part of a weekly business marathon.

The discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine for European Integration Yaroslav Demchenkov, adviser to the acting Minister of Energy of Ukraine Yulia Rybak, acting Heads of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving Konstiantyn Hura, Ambassador of Ukraine to Spain Serhii Pogoreltsev, leading Spanish companies in the energy sector.

In his speech, Konstiantyn Hura stressed the importance for Ukraine of sustainable development and decarbonization of the economy: "Our economy is one of the most energy-intensive in the world. Meanwhile, there is significant energy saving potential that needs to be used. This is a wide field for potential projects."

"We are also guided by international commitments and are preparing for the European Green Deal. Ukraine plans to focus on low-carbon development, increasing energy efficiency and building "clean" energy," said Konstiantyn Hura, outlining initiatives prepared by the Ministry of Energy in various sectors (a new 5-year energy efficiency program, the Decarbonisation Fund, bills to resume energy service and activation of bioenergy and others).

All the initiatives will allow to intensify the widespread implementation of projects that will have energy-efficient and environmental effects. This, in turn, will contribute to the development of the market of relevant equipment, materials, services, etc.

"According to IFC estimates, the market for "green" financing can attract up to EUR 70 billion by 2030," said Konstiantyn Hura.

Particular attention was paid to the prospects of hydrogen energy in Ukraine, the necessary steps for the development of this sector and cooperation with the EU. Currently, the Ministry of Energy together with the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving is actively cooperating with UNECE on the development of a roadmap for the development of production and use of hydrogen in Ukraine, taking into account international experience and standards.

Spanish companies had the opportunity to get acquainted with the most promising projects in Ukraine in the field of "clean" energy, production and transportation of hydrogen.