This was emphasized by the Head of the State Energy Efficiency Agency of Ukraine (SAEE), Anna Zamazeeva, speaking at the conference "Just transition: opportunities for Lviv region", organized by Lviv Regional Military Administration together with GIZ.

"We understand the importance of just transition, which is a challenge for both the community and mine workers. Therefore, we need to ensure a decent life and income for all residents who will be affected by this transformation process," the Head of the SAEE said.

"First of all, energy efficiency and bioenergy are components of energy independence. Secondly, they open up a whole range of opportunities, first of all, for the regional economy," Anna Zamazeeva stressed.

It is not only about saving costs on energy carriers, - explained the Head of the SAEE. This is business activation, new jobs creation, as well as an excellent platform for cluster economy, the use and development of local types of energy (biomass, biogas, biomethane, etc.).

Bioenergy can be a springboard for a cluster economy. It is important to cooperate with additional industries, such as agriculture, waste-to-energy, production of energy-efficient materials, as well as high-efficiency cogeneration, etc.

"Creating energy clusters will allow comprehensive revitalization of the region, adding new jobs," - emphasized Anna Zamazeeva.

The State Energy Efficiency Agency of Ukraine is making maximum efforts to activate the development of both energy efficiency and bioenergy.

Olena Lenska, director of the Renewable Energy Development Department of the SAEE spoke in detail about the Agency's initiatives, in particular, in bioenergy. She emphasized the prospects of biomethane production and already created conditions for this at the legislative level, as well as further plans to make domestic biomethane competitive on the European market.

In order to stimulate heat production from biomass, the State Energy Efficiency Agency of Ukraine (SAEE) is actively working on changes to the legislation.

"With the participation of the Agency, draft laws have been developed on establishing a zero hryvnia environmental tax rate for CO₂ emissions for plants burning biofuel, on the development of electronic trade in alternative fuels, on promoting the cultivation of energy plants, on liquid biofuels. The agency also draws the attention of the regions to the advantages of creating energy clusters and their multiplication, which will contribute to recovery," Olena Lenska emphasized.

Communication and Public Relations Department