The state supports and strengthens the energy resilience of educational institutions

The First Deputy Head of the State Energy Efficiency Agency, Mariia Malaia, took part in a meeting with rectors of leading higher education institutions, attended by the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko.

One of the state’s key priorities today is ensuring the uninterrupted educational process even under energy-related challenges. The main topic of the meeting was discussing opportunities to strengthen the energy resilience of the education sector and prepare universities for the upcoming heating season.

To further strengthen the energy independence of universities, the Government has decided to allocate additional funding for projects in the field of energy efficiency and distributed generation. In total, UAH 1.1 billion is provided for the implementation of energy independence projects in higher education institutions, of which UAH 100 million is allocated for the development of design and cost documentation.

Already, about 54% of higher education institutions have autonomous heat and power sources. Among the programs implemented by the State Energy Efficiency Agency, two also actively cover higher education institutions.

The first government program is the energy certification of public buildings. Within its framework, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has submitted 115 applications for certification. Thanks to state financial support, 33% of facilities have already been certified, including dormitories, academic buildings, and other university structures. The remaining facilities will receive certificates soon.

An energy certificate gives educational institutions the opportunity for further building modernization. It provides access to ESCO mechanisms, grant funding, and investments aimed at improving energy efficiency and strengthening the energy resilience of institutions.

The second government program is equipping public buildings with solar power plants with energy storage systems. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has already received 85 applications for the installation of such systems. Currently, projects at five educational facilities are being implemented with state support.

Energy efficiency in educational institutions is about the ability of universities to operate steadily under wartime threats, reduce the load on the energy system, ensure comfortable conditions for students and teachers, and foster a modern culture of responsible energy consumption.

Educational institutions should become an example of implementing modern energy-efficient solutions and a platform for training specialists who will further drive Ukraine’s green transformation.