Ukraine and the EIB signed a grant agreement on the implementation of energy efficiency measures in hospitals, says Oleksii Chernyshov

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine have signed a grant agreement for further implementation of the project Ukraine’s Public Buildings Energy Efficiency. This was announced by the Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Chernyshov.

"Energy efficiency is one of the main priorities of regional development in the coming years. I am sincerely grateful to our European partners and the E5P Multi-Donor Fund for this support. The grant is aimed, in particular, at health care, and this is especially true during the fight against the pandemic. Now it is more important than ever to build an infrastructure to support doctors and patients," Oleksii Chernyshov stressed.

For his part, Jean-Erik de Zagon, Head of the EIB Representation to Ukraine, noted that the signing of the grant agreement would be a step towards energy independence for Ukraine.

"Energy efficiency has a central role in tackling climate change that tops the EIB's list of priorities. We are glad to see Ukraine take much-needed strides towards an energy-efficient future. Thanks to substantial contribution by the donors of the E5P Fund, we are able to further support the energy-efficient refurbishment of public buildings in Ukraine. The donors’ support will directly help the Ukrainian healthcare sector to benefit from the upgrades, with new cooling systems and the integration of renewable energy sources and other COVID-19 response measures. Hospitals can contribute to a healthy planet through energy efficiency," said Jean-Erik de Zagon.

The agreement provides for Ukraine to receive an investment grant worth one million euros from the multi-donor Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P). The funding will be used to implement energy-saving measures in hospitals, including the installation of modern energy-efficient equipment, ventilation and lighting systems, as well as internal heating in health care facilities.

The grant complements a prior €300 million EIB loan aimed at increasing energy efficiency in 1 000 public buildings. The project will extend the operational life of key social, healthcare, administrative and cultural buildings by at least 20 years and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.25 million tonnes.

As a reminder, earlier the Verkhovna Rada ratified the Agreement with the European Investment Bank, under which the state will receive a loan of 300 million euros for the project Ukraine’s Public Buildings Energy Efficiency.