Kyiv, 12 March 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine presented the latest developments in energy efficiency and the results of their joint initiatives at the "Energy Efficiency: Path to Energy Security and Recovery" Forum in Kyiv on 12 March.

The event brought together over 300 participants from across Ukraine to discuss the achievements, challenges, and next steps in implementing energy-efficient solutions for the recovery and sustainable development of the country’s energy sector.

Those in attendance included Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine and Thorsten Wöllert, Minister-Counsellor on Energy, Environment, and Climate at the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine.

Also taking part in the discussions were Ukrainian government representatives including Oleh Nemchinov, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine; Viktoria Hryb, Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada Subcommittee on Energy Security and Andriy Herus, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services; and 

A key highlight of the forum was the presentation of progress on one of Ukraine’s primary financial instruments for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects — the Decarbonisation Fund of Ukraine. Launched in 2024 with the support of UNDP and international partners, this mechanism expands financing opportunities for municipalities and businesses in energy sector development. In collaboration with the State Agency on Energy Efficiency, the fund offers favourable loans for implementing energy-saving solutions, accelerating decarbonisation, and strengthening the country’s energy security.

Hanna Zamazieieva, the Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, highlighted the crucial role of partnerships in realizing Ukraine's ambitious energy efficiency plans. 

“Thanks to our collaboration with UNDP and our international partners, the fund has financed numerous projects since the fall of 2024, from upgrading manufacturing processes to constructing solar power stations and implementing energy-efficient technologies in both industry and communities," Zamazieieva said. "One of our initial significant achievements is the installation of a new solar power station at an industrial facility in Eastern Ukraine, which has replaced 11.5% of the facility’s energy sourced from traditional means and will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting over 1,000 trees. Another success is the third ESCO project in Ukraine, implemented in Voznesensk, where the upgrade to LED street lighting is expected to reduce energy consumption by more than 50% and enhance residents' safety. Witnessing these impressive results, we can confidently say that Ukraine is firmly advancing towards energy independence and resilience.”

Roman Shakhmatenko, Team Leader of UNDP in Ukraine's Energy and Environment Portfolio, emphasized the longstanding cooperation with the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, which is pivotal for advancing energy efficiency initiatives. "In these challenging times, energy efficiency goes beyond mere cost savings; it is a strategic necessity to ensure our country's energy resilience,” said Shakhmatenko. “We are immensely grateful to all our partners, especially the Global Environment Facility, whose support was instrumental in launching the Decarbonisation Fund of Ukraine – a project we are proud to support. The significant progress achieved by the fund in just half a year of operation highlights the importance of collaboration with both international and local partners, which is crucial to our success. UNDP will continue to support energy-efficient projects and initiatives, particularly through the Green Energy Recovery Programme." 

Background:

The UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme in Ukraine, supported by international partners, addresses Ukraine’s urgent energy needs during the ongoing attacks on critical energy infrastructure. It focuses on two main priorities: ensuring the continuous operation of critical energy infrastructure and production capacities, and implementing strategic actions to accelerate the transition to green energy, particularly through a decentralized energy generation system. 

The activities of the Green Energy Recovery Programme in Ukraine are funded by the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, and Sweden.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

Media enquiries: 

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications. Email: yuliia.samus@undp.org