Austria and Austrian businesses play a key role in the recovery of our country and economy. Despite the war, they continue to operate in Ukraine, demonstrating trust in its future development. Currently, nearly 200 branches of Austrian companies are operating here, providing jobs for over 20,000 Ukrainians and contributing to attracting new investments in critical industries, including energy and energy efficiency.
Under the leadership of the Head of the State Energy Efficiency Agency, Hanna Zamazieieva, and the First Deputy Head, Mariia Malaia, a meeting was held with Austrian and Ukrainian companies in the field of renewable energy.
The Head of the State Energy Efficiency Agency noted that during the meeting, not only the challenges were discussed, but also specific steps for developing cooperation and achieving common goals within the framework of the "Ukraine-Austria" economic forum.
“We want Austrian businesses to expand their operations in Ukraine, invest in our economy, and see results from this cooperation on a bilateral basis. We offer businesses favorable conditions for cooperation in the most promising sectors,” emphasized Hanna Zamazieieva.
The parties agreed on the importance of signing an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in energy efficiency in the future. Such a step will be a milestone for both countries and will help create a more reliable, transparent, and effective interaction mechanism between Austria and Ukraine.
The main focus was placed on the opportunities for cooperation with Austrian partners and the JSC "Decarbonization Fund of Ukraine." The Head of the State Energy Efficiency Agency presented successful case studies of energy-efficient projects financed by the Fund, which were implemented even during the war. Specifically, the support for communal enterprises providing citizens with heating and other vital services was discussed.
Among the meeting participants was Kari Oxner, President of the Lower Austrian Federation of Industry, who joined the discussion on the prospects of cooperation. The Austrian side was also represented by leading companies actively working in the energy and energy efficiency sectors:
F-Energies GmbH
HARTL HAUS Holzindustrie GmbH
Wien Energie GmbH
Wien Energie International
OCHSNER Waermepumpen GmbH
Verbund AG
EVN AG
Bilfinger Industrial Services GmbH
Flange Pro Holding GmbH
SKB Industrieholding GmbH
Braun Maschinenfabrik Gesellschaft m.b.H.
KE KELIT GmbH
Moser East & West Holding GmbH
Innerio Group GmbH
Special attention was paid to simplifying the procedures for transferring equipment, technologies, and experience in energy efficiency between the two countries. It is planned to establish target working groups that will focus on specific areas of cooperation: hydroenergy, heating, bioenergy, hydrogen energy, and more. This approach will facilitate the establishment of direct contacts and strengthen the development of "green" energy in Ukraine.
The discussion also included the use of Ukraine's renewable energy potential, its integration into the European energy market, and the implementation of electricity grid modernization projects. An important topic was strengthening B2B partnerships between Austrian and Ukrainian businesses, which will open new opportunities for investment and the implementation of modern energy-efficient technologies.
“I sincerely thank everyone present who took the time and opportunity to join us. You are actively implementing energy-efficient solutions in your country, and most of you across the European Union, and this experience is invaluable to us,” added Hanna Zamazieieva.
The State Energy Efficiency Agency and Austrian companies expressed their shared interest in strengthening the partnership and expanding energy cooperation, which will contribute to Ukraine's sustainable development and its integration into the European energy system.
