Successful Energy Efficiency Practices for Regional Recovery and Development: Community Experience on the Path to Energy Independence and European Integration
The State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE) took part in an event dedicated to energy efficiency in times of war and within the context of European integration — "European Energy Award: A Tool for the Recovery and Development of Communities", held in the city of Vinnytsia.
The forum served as a platform for constructive dialogue between local authorities, experts, and international partners. The focus was on practical solutions that support achieving energy independence at both local and national levels.
Special attention was given to successful cases from Ukrainian communities already implementing innovative energy efficiency projects. A vivid example is Vinnytsia, which demonstrates a systematic approach to energy efficiency — from modernizing municipal infrastructure and implementing energy management systems, to upgrading public utilities and attracting investment for project implementation.
Vinnytsia was the first to approve its "Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) of the Vinnytsia Municipal Territorial Community", which outlines measures to enhance energy efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions, and adapt to climate change. The key objective of the document is to ensure sustainable energy development through infrastructure modernization and the promotion of renewable energy sources.
At the initiative of SAEE, a Regional Office for Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency has been actively operating in Vinnytsia since 2024. This office functions as a consultative, analytical, and informational hub that provides expert support to local communities, businesses, and municipalities in implementing energy efficiency measures, transitioning to sustainable energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
We would like to remind that Regional Offices for Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency are currently operating in eight regions of Ukraine: Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv, Rivne, Zhytomyr, and Odesa.
A key topic of the forum was improving energy efficiency in the municipal sector, particularly through modernization of heating systems and implementation of energy service (ESCO) projects. Regional offices play a central role in these areas by supporting communities in finding optimal technical solutions, attracting investment, and effectively planning and executing local projects.
We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers of the event — the Association of Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine — for their ongoing support and contribution to building a sustainable, secure, and energy-independent future for Ukrainian communities.
