Cooperation within the Ukraine-Denmark Energy Partnership Programme (UDEPP): A Partnership Measured by Results
This was emphasized by the Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE), Hanna Zamazieieva, during the meeting of the UDEPP Steering Committee, where the outcomes of joint activities were summarized and future priorities were defined.
One of the key achievements in 2024 has been the introduction of voluntary energy efficiency agreements — a tool that is new to Ukraine but has been successfully applied in Denmark. In cooperation with the Danish Energy Agency (DEA), Ukraine not only adopted international best practices but also adapted them to local conditions and launched them in practice.
“We have not only developed templates for such agreements, but also worked out the logic of the process: businesses commit to reducing energy consumption, while the state provides support. We are implementing this model and already seeing the first results. Thanks to 32 signed agreements, energy consumption is expected to decrease by over 15,800 MWh, and CO₂ emissions are expected to be reduced by more than 8,100 tonnes.
We are currently working on the next stage: the implementation of a monitoring system for the fulfillment of obligations under such agreements. Our next focus will be on promoting this mechanism among communities, businesses, and enterprises,” emphasized Hanna Zamazieieva.
Among other important outcomes of the cooperation is the development of the White Paper — a strategic document created jointly with Danish partners. It outlines the principles of operation for the Ukrainian Decarbonisation Fund, the joint stock company model, and the voluntary agreements. This document will become a basis for engaging businesses, communities, and municipalities in energy efficiency projects.
The White Paper is already available on the SAEE website at the following link: https://saee.gov.ua/.../dobrovilni-uhody-z...
In accordance with the Government’s instructions and international commitments, SAEE continues working to reduce energy consumption in public sector buildings. Within the UDEPP framework, energy audits of industrial sites and public buildings of central executive authorities (CEAs) are being carried out. The results of industrial energy audits will form the basis for the Catalogue of Energy Efficiency Solutions for Industry and will be further used in the activities of the Ukrainian Decarbonisation Fund.
So far, technical visits and energy audits have been conducted at four administrative buildings — two belonging to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, one to the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, and one to SAEE. Based on the findings, tools will be developed for public buildings with prioritized energy efficiency measures.
“With support from Denmark, the Mykolaiv Office for Decarbonisation and Energy Efficiency was also established. Thanks to its activities, public awareness of energy efficiency in the region has significantly increased. The next task for the office is the joint development of regional programs that can be scaled across Ukraine. At today’s meeting, a decision was made to continue cooperation within both existing and new projects,” noted Hanna Zamazieieva.
In May, another area of cooperation will be launched — a joint awareness campaign to promote energy efficiency measures among the population. This campaign is based on Denmark’s successful experience and adapted to the needs and circumstances of Ukrainians during wartime.
The Ambassador of Denmark, Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, in turn, highlighted that the implementation of energy efficiency solutions is key to strengthening Ukraine’s energy system and reaffirmed Denmark’s continued support for Ukraine and its energy sector on the path to recovery in line with the principles of the green transition.
At the conclusion of the UDEPP Steering Committee meeting, the Head of SAEE expressed gratitude to the team of the Danish Energy Agency for their ongoing support and readiness for continued cooperation.
Special thanks were extended to Mr. Nikolaj Lomholt, who is completing his tenure as Energy Advisor at the Embassy of Denmark, for his significant contributions to cooperation with Ukraine and his tireless support in implementing energy efficiency projects.
