It was discussed at the meeting of the Agency's Head Serhiy Savchuk with Italian experts in the sphere of energy efficiency and alternative energy. Serhiy Savchuk said that the main goal of reforms in energy efficiency is substitution of imported gas. "Ukraine needs about 5 billion cubic meters of gas for this year's heating season. Therefore the energy substitution is a priority", he said. In this context the experience and investments from Italy for renewable energy and alternative fuel development are extremely important for Ukraine.

Sebastiano Del Monte, Head of International Cooperation Division of Energy Security, Supply and Infrastructure Department of the Ministry of Economic Development of Italy, said that expert assistance will be provided to Ukraine soon. For example, Italy has set an ambitious goal of reducing its energy consumption by 9-10% by 2020. To achieve this aim the "white certificates" were developed. According to them, taxes are lower for households which have taken measures to reduce energy consumption. By results of the realized projects in 2013 about 3 million certificates were issued.

The sides also considered the possibility of creating a registry of Italian companies that work in energy efficiency and renewable energy and intend to invest in projects in Ukraine. Experts think it will accelerate their coming to the Ukrainian market and national campaigns will find new partners.

"We as representatives of the government are ready to provide these companies with information on legislative framework, technical capabilities and potential of the market", said Head of the Agency.

In general, the sides recognized that energy efficiency policies of both countries should be studied and cooperation should be continued.

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