Ukraine and EU consolidate efforts to encourage the development of clean energy to ensure energy independence, energy security and strong economy

Ukraine's achievements and plans in the sector of the development of clean energy, taking into account the EU expertise, is the key topic of the EU-Ukraine Investment Forum organized by the Directorate General of the European Commission for Energy, the VRU Fuel and Energy Complex, Nuclear Policy and Safety Committee, State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and the DIXI Group on December 18, in Kyiv.

EU Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate General for Energy of the European Commission Gerassimos Thomas, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli participated in the opening of the Forum during which they told about the progress of the EU in this area and its willingness to support Ukraine in developing clean energy.

The EU is actively developing a clean energy sector. The EU Council has recently approved a new ambitious target for the EU member states - at least 32% of green energy in 2030. Some EU countries are already recording achievements in the production of clean electricity.

Among the main benefits of renewable energy the EU singles out, in particular:

• boosting employment;

• innovative technological development;

• reduction of dependence on traditional energy resources imports;

• formation of a strong green economy;

• reduction of harmful carbon emissions.

In turn, the Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine Serhii Savchuk presented the achievements and plans of Ukraine in this area.

"In 2017 Ukraine generated almost 7% green energy. This was achieved due to the legislative incentives introduced in line with EU practice, those that in 2015 accelerated the market, raised investors' interest and allowed for all these 4 years to leverage more than EUR 1.5 billion of investment in domestic green projects", said Serhii Savchuk.

Currently, Ukraine is taking a strategically important step: it is preparing for the introduction of a mechanism of green auctions efficient in the EU countries. The relevant draft law, developed on the initiative of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on Fuel and Energy Complex with the participation of all stakeholders, including State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, is scheduled to be considered by the Parliament on December 20 this year.

Representatives of the EU also noted the importance of auctions, which will help to:

• lower the price of green energy for society;

• create transparent and vigorous competition among investors;

• ensure stability and provide investors with confidence in the long-term financing of projects.