In October 2025, the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, together with the Danish Energy Agency, launched a series of specialized training seminars aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of specialists from regional Offices of Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency and enhancing their professional expertise in sustainable energy development.
The second of the eight planned events was dedicated to local energy planning. The seminar focused on its role in strengthening community energy resilience, key objectives, practical implementation tools, and long-term prospects for the development of sustainable energy systems at the local level.
During the event, Roman Radchenko, Deputy Head of the Regional Development Department of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, emphasized that today local energy planning is one of the key determinants of energy security and sustainable community development, as it forms the basis for strategic planning, investment attraction, and the implementation of modern energy solutions.
“Today, local energy planning is not just a technical document, but a strategic tool for community development. It enables a systematic approach to energy efficiency, a gradual transition to renewable energy sources, strengthening energy security, and attracting investment into sustainable projects. By shaping a clear vision of their own energy future, communities become more resilient to challenges and enhance their competitiveness,” Roman Radchenko noted.
Starting 1 January 2026, the availability of a Local Energy Plan (LEP) will become a mandatory requirement for communities to receive state support for energy efficiency measures.
Viktoriia Kovalenko, General Manager for Advisory Services in Sustainable Development, shared practical experience in developing and implementing local energy plans.
“The financing mechanisms currently available are insufficient to implement energy efficiency measures. Therefore, it would be unfortunate to miss additional opportunities if communities do not have an approved Local Energy Plan,” Viktoriia Kovalenko emphasized.
Currently, Offices of Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency operate in eight regions of Ukraine, providing support to communities in implementing modern energy solutions, reducing CO₂ emissions, and strengthening energy resilience at the local level.
Representatives from the Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, Rivne, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions took part in the seminar.
The initiative is being implemented by the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine in close cooperation with the Danish Energy Agency within the UDEPP project. Six more training seminars are ahead, focusing on conducting energy audits, developing catalogs of measures and innovative technological solutions, as well as designing strategies for the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in communities.
We express our gratitude to our international partners—the Danish Energy Agency—for their consistent support and expert assistance, as well as to DiXi Group for analytical support and facilitation in implementing best European practices in Ukraine.