This was emphasized by the Head of the State Energy Efficiency Agency (SAEE), Anna Zamazeeva, speaking at the 31st meeting of the coordination group of the Energy Community.

"Today, energy efficiency has acquired critical importance both for decarbonization and for the energy security of Ukraine and Europe. Despite all existing challenges, we continue to implement European directives into national legislation to achieve national goals in this area. The energy community is our reliable partner on the way to European integration and a guide to reforms," noted the Head of the SAEE, presenting European integration steps in energy efficiency and further work priorities.

One of the main tasks of the State Energy Efficiency Agency is the implementation of the Law of Ukraine dated October 21, 2021 No1818-IX "On Energy Efficiency", which is aimed at implementing the provisions of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency.

In order to implement this Law, the Agency has been developing the necessary legal acts for energy management, energy audit, energy service, high-efficiency cogeneration in Ukraine, as well as for setting goals for reducing energy consumption and monitoring their achievement.

In particular, the SAEE helps state authorities and enterprises to implement energy management systems.

The Agency has developed the Procedure for Providing Information on the Certification of Energy and/or Environmental Management Systems of Business Entities, which was approved by Government Resolution No1238 of
November 4, 2022. Work is currently underway to approve the procedures developed by the Agency as for the following:

• the register of state authorities and local self-government bodies that have implemented the energy management system;

• register of business entities that have received certificates of energy management and/or environmental management systems.

"We are also working on stimulating ESCO mechanism to modernize public buildings. The agency is currently creating information bases of ESCO companies and potential objects. In addition, together with UNDP, banks and partners, we are discussing the creation of additional programs to reduce the cost of loans for companies that will be engaged in the reconstruction of public buildings," said Anna Zamazeeva.

Implementing the European directive on energy efficiency, the SAEE developed the Law on the Development of High-Efficiency Cogeneration, which was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on February 24, 2023 and signed by the President on March 17, 2023.

"Thanks to this law, we will replace the current qualification mechanism for cogeneration plants with a new qualification mechanism for high efficiency cogeneration, which will meet the requirements of Directive 2012/27/EU. It is important to create conditions for the introduction of high-efficient heat and electricity production plants. This will help increase the efficiency of fuel use, reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions," explained the Head of the State Energy Efficiency Agency.

Also, the SAEE is developing draft legal acts that provide for creating the National Energy Efficiency Monitoring System, setting target indicator of the annual energy consumption reduction.

"We are sure that the recovery of Ukraine should be based on modern principles of energy efficiency and decarbonization not only in buildings, but also in all sectors of the economy. In this way, we will be able to restore the regional economy and the life of communities," said the Head of the SAEE and called for close cooperation.

In addition, the participants of the coordination group of the Energy Community discussed the latest changes in the EU policy in energy efficiency and its strengthening in response to the energy crisis. In particular, the updates of the EU directive on the energy efficiency of buildings and new goals and measures to reduce energy consumption were considered in detail.

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