Sergii Marchenko: Implementation of energy efficiency projects with GIZ is important for maintaining stable operation of Ukraine's energy sector and economy in times of war
On November 22, Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko met with the leadership of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to discuss the current cooperation within the project "Promoting Energy Efficiency and Implementation of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Ukraine" and the prospects for cooperation under the new FELICITY II programme.
The Ministry of Finance was represented by Deputy Minister of Finance Olga Zykova. GIZ was represented by Director of GIZ Germany, Europe, South Caucasus Tilman Nagel, GIZ Director in Ukraine Daniel Boucher, Coordinator of the GIZ Energy and Climate Cluster in Ukraine Robert Kunne, and Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Regional Hub for Eastern Europe Jean-Erik de Zagon, Project Director of the project "Promoting Energy Efficiency and Implementation of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Ukraine'' Ima Khrenova-Shymkina, and Head of the Ukraine component of the FELICITY II Programme of the project "Financing Low Carbon Infrastructure in Cities" Oksana Oliynyk.
The project "Promotion of Energy Efficiency and Implementation of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Ukraine" is being implemented in Ukraine by the GIZ on behalf of the Governments of Germany and Switzerland.
The programme primarily aims to improve and increase the energy efficiency of buildings of central executive authorities, including the administrative building of the Ministry of Finance.
"The implementation of energy efficiency projects is a key element in maintaining the stable operation of Ukraine's economy and energy sector in the context of a full-scale war. Cooperation with GIZ is an important factor for the transition to better environmental standards of energy consumption and electricity production. Thanks to the support provided, the Ministry of Finance is able to use energy resources more efficiently in the face of the constant threat of russian attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure," said Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko.
In July 2023, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and the GIZ signed a Memorandum on the implementation of energy efficiency measures in the administrative building of the Ministry.
In this context, parties outlined the measures that have already been implemented and are being implemented under the Memorandum to optimise the use of electricity and heat.
The participants of the meeting noted that if all the necessary steps are successfully implemented, it will be possible to achieve a certain level of electricity and heat savings, resulting in annual savings of about UAH 1.3 million.
The parties also discussed the new FELICITY II Program, which aims to create favorable conditions for investment in infrastructure reconstruction projects.
For their part, the GIZ representatives noted the active and effective work of the Government of Ukraine within the framework of joint projects and expressed their readiness to expand support, especially in the area of Ukraine's recovery.
In conclusion, the parties agreed to continue the dialogue on further cooperation in the field of energy efficient recovery.
Additional Information
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been working in Ukraine since 1993 on projects such as public administration reform, sustainable economic development, energy efficiency and climate change mitigation.
Since February 2022, GIZ has been supporting Ukraine on three levels: helping to provide the population with basic necessities such as electricity, medicine and housing; contributing to the country's reconstruction efforts; and continuing to advise on reforms that bring Ukraine closer to the EU.
GIZ provides advisory support on the application of EU energy efficiency directives. In this way, it helps communities to rebuild buildings and businesses destroyed and damaged during the war in accordance with current EU standards.