The National Forum in Dnipropetrovsk discussed energy efficiency challenges and prospects for green modernization of economy
09.10.2015

National Forum “Green Economy and Energy Efficiency” organised under the auspices of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council with the support of the German-Ukrainian cooperation projects in the framework of German Weeks in Ukraine was held in Dnipropetrovsk on October 8-9, 2015. Modernisation of energy efficiency sector and green economy development in Ukraine were in the Forum’s focus.

The event brought together representatives of national and municipal executive authorities, German Embassy to Ukraine, academic and research institutions, civil society organizations as well as Ukrainian and international experts and consultants in the field of energy efficiency and green economy.

Within the discussion panel “Energy Efficiency” participants discussed such issues as reforming energy efficiency sector, funding and implementing energy efficiency measures in public sector buildings, development of energy efficiency instruments at the municipal level, implementation of the energy performance contracting models etc. “Green Economy” discussion panel focused on the current status, environmental aspects and prospects of transition to green economy in Ukraine, development of green economy tools and green services market as well as “green” initiatives of municipalities and business circles etc.

“Today we will discuss the challenges that we face in order to ensure energy and environmental security as well as prospects for green modernization of economy for sustainable economic development of the regions. I am confident that this forum will become an important milestone for anyone who is eager to address these difficult and crucial challenges. We have established a two-day platform to share our experience and best practices in the field of energy saving and energy efficiency, and also involved the leading international experts in this sector”, – Mr. Ievhen Udod, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, highlighted in his speech.

“The future of Ukraine depends on the reforms that the Government and society of Ukraine are ready to implement in practice. It is a great challenge and responsibility, and the Ukrainian leadership has already demonstrated good progress in this direction. For many years Germany has been supporting Ukraine, especially in the area of energy efficiency, which is one of the priorities of our bilateral cooperation. We are ready for further and more intense cooperation in this field, being convinced that our joint endeavours will be successful”, – underlined Ms. Gudrun Basche, Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Donetsk.

Mr. Serhiy Savchuk, Head of the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, stressed that the Forum is rather well-timed, since it is not only a matter of trend to talk about energy efficiency in Ukraine, but also a crucial need to make real steps, implement projects, develop regulatory instruments. “We need to work out the mechanisms of supporting energy efficiency improvements by the state, municipalities and business circles so that Ukraine could achieve energy independence, while Ukrainian and foreign investors could feel comfortable in our country,” – he added.

“The achievements we have by now in the framework of our cooperation are the result of our joint intensive and hard work. Ukrainian municipalities play the leading role as a driving force for the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The implemented projects already allowed achieving a significant reduction in energy consumption. Thanks to the training of Ukrainian specialists we have a great potential to work further in this sector”, – highlighted Ms. Christiana Hageneder, Director of the Project” Energy Efficiency in Municipalities” implemented by GIZ.

According to Ms. Dagmar Ecer, Director of the Programme to Support the Green Modernisation of the Ukrainian Economy implemented by GIZ, the German Government supports green modernization of Ukraine’s economy to ensure sustainable mode of production and consumption. “We would like to provide an opportunity for Ukrainians to use German experience and cooperate with German experts. We believe that the experience of Dnipropetrovsk region will be disseminated also in other regions of Ukraine