Key Areas of Cooperation for 2026 Discussed Within the Framework of the Ukrainian-Danish Energy Partnership
Denmark continues to support Ukraine in strengthening energy resilience, improving energy efficiency, and advancing decarbonization. The 8th Steering Committee Meeting of the Ukrainian-Danish Energy Partnership (UDEPP) brought together Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine Thomas Lund Sørensen, Deputy Director General of the Danish Energy Agency Iben Møller Søndergaard, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Maryna Denysiuk, Deputy Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine Viktor Bilko, as well as representatives of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC), NPC Ukrenergo, and the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine.
The meeting focused on the implementation of the 2026 Work Programme and the progress achieved since the previous Steering Committee meeting. One of the key areas of cooperation between the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and the Danish partners remains the implementation of Voluntary Energy Efficiency Agreements. To date, 76 agreements have been concluded with a total investment value exceeding UAH 1.6 billion. These agreements serve as an effective public-private partnership mechanism to reduce energy consumption, improve industrial energy efficiency, and cut CO₂ emissions.
"It is important for us to continue developing and scaling up the voluntary agreements model. Today, establishing a modern monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for Ukraine. The voluntary agreements mechanism already provides a solid foundation for such a system. The next logical step is to further develop it into a more standardized, digital, and business-friendly framework. This will enable Ukraine to gradually establish a transparent and reliable emissions monitoring and verification system," said Viktor Bilko, Deputy Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine.
Another important area of cooperation is promoting energy efficiency in public buildings, which, in line with European directives, are expected to serve as role models in implementing modern energy solutions. In cooperation with Danish partners, energy audits were carried out in four administrative buildings. The findings from these pilot audits formed the basis for developing a catalogue of energy efficiency solutions and practical guidance materials for energy managers of public institutions. These materials are being distributed by the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine among central executive authorities.
Special attention was also given to supporting the Mykolaiv Regional Office for Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency, established and operating with Denmark's support. The Office has significantly increased awareness among local communities and businesses of government financing programmes for energy efficiency and decarbonization measures. In particular, it provides practical assistance in preparing and submitting applications to the Ukraine Decarbonization Fund for the implementation of relevant projects.
Another important area of cooperation is raising public awareness of energy efficiency. Together with Danish partners, the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine has implemented the nationwide awareness campaigns "Save This Energy for Yourself!" and "Save This Money for Yourself!", which have reached more than 10 million Ukrainians, helping make energy efficiency more understandable and practical for the general public. Work is also underway on the development of the interactive SaveEnergy online platform, which will provide clear, practical recommendations on improving energy efficiency.
The Danish side reaffirmed its commitment to continuing support for Ukraine in restoring its energy infrastructure, advancing sustainable energy, and implementing joint projects within the framework of the Ukrainian-Danish Energy Partnership.
The State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine sincerely appreciates the fruitful cooperation with our Danish partners and looks forward to further expanding this partnership in the years ahead.
