This was emphasized by the First Deputy Head of the State Energy Efficiency Agency of Ukraine (SAEE) Mariia Malaia during the online meeting with the Director of the Lithuanian Energy Agency Virgilius Poderis.

"We highly appreciate Lithuania's support in the fight for our freedom, as well as energy independence. As you know, Lithuania was the first state among the EU member states, which in April 2022 stopped the import of russian gas, and later also of oil", noted Mariia Malaia.

"Such decisive steps and experience of Lithuania are impressive and valuable for Ukraine, which is working hard on the development of energy efficiency and alternative fuels. At the same time, we take into account the tasks of European integration and the global trend of decarbonization," said the First Deputy Head.

Mariia Malaia outlined the priorities, goals and current tasks of Ukraine in the specified spheres.

"In our deep belief, energy efficiency should be a key component of the country's economy, its recovery and further sustainable development. To stimulate changes in this area, recently Parliament approved the creation of the State Fund for Energy-Efficient Transformation and Decarbonization. At the expense of this fund, the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE) will implement policy in the field of energy efficiency as the main energy manager of the country," Mariia Malaia emphasized.

The parties also discussed the advantages of alternative types of fuel for the energy independence of communities.

Lithuania is considered to be one of the world leaders in bioenergy development. The share of alternative fuels and waste in district heating has doubled in recent years from 43% in 2012 to 82% in 2019, as confirmed by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Discussing possible ways to share experience and develop partnership, the parties considered such directions as increasing the level of energy efficiency in the heat supply sector, developing high efficiency cogeneration and others.

According to the results of the meeting, the participants agreed to define the most relevant areas of cooperation, taking into account Ukraine's needs for recovery, and to sign a partnership memorandum.

For reference: The discussion of joint actions took place on the basis of the results of the International Forum "Implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Peace Formula: joint actions of Ukraine and Lithuania to achieve lasting peace", which was held on February 24, 2023, with the participation of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda.

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