Implementation of energy efficiency in Ukraine is not only a desire but, first of all, an absolute responsibility. All necessary legislative basis, in particular, the National Action Plan for Renewable Energy for the period until 2020, the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan until 2020, the Energy Strategy  of Ukraine until 2035 and the Strategy of Low Carbon Development of Ukraine until 2050 has been approved for these purposes.  This was stated by Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities of Ukraine Hennadii Zubko  at the Energy Efficiency Partnership18 forum.

According to the Vice Prime Minister, each percent reduction obtained as a result of energy consumption encapsulates  additional technologies, jobs, reduction of currency burden on the budget  and the introduction of quality services.

"It is important for us to introduce effective tools that will affect the percentage of energy savings. The Energy Efficiency Fund is one of these instruments. The economic effect of its activities  will allow to reduce gas consumption up to 10 billion cubic metres, to increase the annual capacity of the new energy efficiency market to the tune of UAH 60 billion, to boost  tax revenues  up to UAH 10 billion, and to create 75 thousand new jobs for engineering and construction personnel, for employees of energy service industry and energy management ", the Vice Prime Minister underscored.

Hennadii Zubko stressed the fundamental criterion for effective work of the Energy Efficiency Fund is  skilled personnel - energy auditors, project organizations, energy service companies, and most importantly - a demand from municipalities that are committed to making their social institutions energy-efficient and to  helping citizens to implement energy efficiency measures in the residential sector.

It is worth mentioning that the Energy Efficiency Fund is a progressive and comprehensive tool for financing energy efficiency in the residential sector throughout the country, which has proved its efficiency  in the countries of Eastern Europe. Last week two landmark events took place: signing of the Financial Agreement between Ukraine and the EU (EE4U program) on granting a EUR 50 million irrevocable financial aid by the EU and signing of an Agreement  between the European Union, the International Finance Corporation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group) and the Government of Germany on establishment of a multi-donor fund to co-finance the Ukrainian Energy Efficiency Fund. The inked agreements will ensure a reliable financial and political support for the next five years. Funding injected through the Multi-Donor Fund together with the Ukrainian fund will provide grants for energy efficiency measures. This is the evidence of the powerful support of the European Community of energy efficiency reform, which is a priority for Ukraine.