Dear strong and invincible Ukrainians! Happy New Year 2023!

The 2022 year will forever be etched in our history as a year of heroic struggle for Ukraine, our civilizational choice, sovereignty and a free future.

With its courageous resistance, Ukraine has changed global priorities and accelerated the energy transformation of the entire EU and the leading countries of the world.

Despite any challenges, we steadfastly adhere to the European vector, the national interests of energy security and the conceptual vision of sustainable development. These are the priorities of our work.

Without wasting time, we have been making efforts to lay the foundation for energy-efficient, carbon-free and competitive development of the country in the future.

The EU's historic decision to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union has given us even more incentive to accelerate all European integration steps.

In 2022, the Agency actively worked on developing the legal framework within the framework of the Law of Ukraine "On Energy Efficiency", technical regulation and other legislative changes on energy efficiency, decarbonization, renewable energy and alternative fuels. Among the main developments:

• a number of Government resolutions regarding technical regulations of energy labeling and requirements for eco-design, which correspond to EU legislation,were adopted;
• a number of legal acts regarding  energy management system implementation, energy audit, energy performance contracting were adopted;
• more than ten new legal acts were drafted for the implementation of the Law of Ukraine "On Energy Efficiency";
• the wide implementation of energy management systems in state authorities, regional administrations and subordinated enterprises, institutions, organizations has been started;
• the draft National Renewable Energy Action Plan for the period up to 2030 was improved based on the results of public consultations and a strategic environmental assessment;
• the draft law on high efficiency cogeneration development was prepared together with the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on Energy and Housing and Communal Services for the second reading;
• the regulatory basis has been created for biomethane production development, intensive work is underway to create the register of biomethane  guarantees of origin;
• legislation is being developed for the implementation of a single platform for registers of renewable energy guarantees of origin in Ukraine
• the foundation for hydrogen economy development has been laid;
• close cooperation with educational and scientific institutions has been developing.

I am grateful for cooperation to everyone - the President, the Parliament, the Government, the Minister of Energy German Galushchenko and the team of the Ministry of Energy, ministries and other executive authorities, local authorities, international partners (UNDP, GIZ, UNIDO and others), representatives of the scientific and educational community, specialized associations, public organizations, expert environment.

We also express gratitude to all our defenders who protect sovereignty of the state and repel the enemy.

Sincere words of thanks to the energy workers, who provide reliable energy supply to millions of Ukrainians after the massive missile strikes, and to the city infrastructure workers who ensure all conditions for cities and communities life.

In 2023, we will continue to create conditions and tools for sustainable and competitive development of the country, bringing the prospect of EU membership closer.

Let 2023 be the year of Ukraine's victory!

May everyone realize the most cherished goals, do fruitful work and get practical results!

Good health, strength, success, as well as optimism and family warmth!

Glory to Ukraine!

Valerii Bezus

Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE)