Hanna Zamazieieva: “Ukraine is on the path to a systemic transition to environmentally friendly transport”
Ukraine, as a participant in the global energy transition, approved the National Renewable Energy Action Plan last year, setting an ambitious target — 17.2% renewable energy in the transport sector. In this strategic direction, our country aligns with the REPowerEU initiative, which identifies bioenergy as a key factor in decarbonizing Europe by 2050.
“The development of bioenergy is a crucial step towards Ukraine’s energy independence and environmental security. This sector has the potential to form the foundation for a modern, resilient, and efficient national energy model,”
– emphasized Anna Zamazieieva, Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE), during the forum “Meeting of Two Strategic Sectors — Fuel and Bioethanol.”
The forum brought together 43 bioethanol producers, over 200 fuel sector companies, and government representatives to launch a new stage in the development of the national fuel market.
Experts highlighted Ukraine’s significant potential in the development of the biofuel sector — as a key component of both energy independence and environmental sustainability.
A major driver for the sector’s development was the adoption of Law of Ukraine No. 3769-IX dated June 4, 2024, which stimulates the use of biofuels in transport and lays the groundwork for systemic transformation in the industry.
“This law not only incentivizes the use of biofuels in transport, but also initiates deep market transformations, opens opportunities for domestic production, and contributes to CO₂ emissions reduction,”
– underlined Anna Zamazieieva.
Key provisions of the new legislation include:
From May 1, 2025, at least 5% of liquid biofuels (±1%) must be included in the total volume of motor gasoline sold. This requirement does not apply to gasoline with an octane rating of 98 and above, or to fuels used by the Ministry of Defense and for strategic reserves.
From June 1, 2025, biofuels must meet sustainability criteria, and economic operators will be required to provide a certificate of compliance with sustainability criteria for each batch of liquid biofuel (biocomponents).
From July 1, 2026, penalties will be imposed for failure to submit or late submission of information on the biofuel content in gasoline.
To implement the law, the Government has tasked SAEE with developing clearly defined functions:
“We will monitor the content of sustainable biocomponents in fuels produced, imported, and distributed by market operators. We will also maintain a register of producers and suppliers of biofuels that comply with sustainability criteria for transport use.
Starting from July 1, 2026, fuel market operators will be required to submit annual reports to SAEE on the volumes of fuel sold, the share of biocomponents, and their compliance with sustainability criteria. This system will ensure transparency and accountability among all stakeholders,”
– explained Anna Zamazieieva.
The next step is the development of an implementation mechanism for EU Regulation 2022/996, which sets out rules for verifying sustainability criteria and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its adoption is planned for Q2 2026, which will allow Ukraine to establish a national sustainability certification system.
“SAEE developed this regulation within an extremely tight timeframe. The draft Government Resolution on its approval has already been submitted for consideration to central executive authorities and relevant associations,”
– noted Olena Lenska, Head of the Alternative Energy Development Department at SAEE.
According to the regulation, alternative fuels must contain:
More than 10% bioethanol and other biocomponents (biomethanol, biobutanol, bio-ETBE, bio-MTBE, bio-ETAE);
More than 7% biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil, pure vegetable oil, and other synthetic liquid fuels.
Despite the absence of a similar European regulation, Ukrainian producers must already adapt — by certifying production and sourcing sustainable feedstocks. Since sustainability non-compliance will constitute a legal violation starting June 1, 2025, and certification may take up to six months, preparations must begin immediately.
The forum ultimately united 43 bioethanol producers, over 200 fuel sector companies, and government representatives to kick off a new era for the national fuel market.
All experts emphasized Ukraine’s substantial potential for biofuel sector development — as a cornerstone of the country’s energy independence and environmental sustainability.
“By uniting the efforts of the government, businesses, and producers, we are paving the way for sustainable development. Environmental responsibility and energy efficiency must become the foundation of our future,”
– concluded Anna Zamazieieva, Head of SAEE.
