The FINANCIAL — On 3 June, the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine and the Chernivtsi City Council launched EU Sustainable Energy Week, which has been held by Ukraine for eight consecutive years.
Within the framework of the launch event, 14 new cities signed up to the EU’s Covenant of Mayors –East initiative, and six cities received grants for energy efficiency projects under a separate programme supported by the EU Covenant of Mayors – Demonstration Projects (CoM-DeP) programme.
In total, almost 200 Ukrainian cities have joined the EU initiative. Through it, these cities have committed themselves to reducing carbon emissions, stepping up energy efficiency and improving the quality of life for their residents.
Following the signing ceremony, EU representatives officially announced the launch of the CoM-DeP programme in six Ukrainian cities and communities: Chernivtsi, Dubno (Rivne region), Hnivan (Vinnytsia region), Myrhorod (Poltava region), Sumy and Ukrainka (Kyiv region). The programme provides funds for the implementation of energy efficiency projects. For instance, Dubno intends to carry out a comprehensive thermo-modernisation of two kindergartens and install solid fuel boilers in two schools. In Chernivtsi, the modernisation of the street lighting system and installation of solar panels is planned, according to European Union.
The event participants also noted the importance of the Energy Efficiency Fund, a joint initiative by the Government of Ukraine, the EU and the Government of Germany. After its launch in the autumn of 2018, the Fund – which is a financial and technical instrument to support energy efficiency measures in the residential sector – is expected to compensate up to 50% of the costs spent by home-owner associations on the thermo-modernisation of buildings. For these purposes, the EU plans to allocate over €100 million.
In addition, during the first day of EU Sustainable Energy Week in Chernivtsi, a number of events were held for residents and guests including: a presentation on the Covenant of Mayors – East initiative and the CoM-DeP, an exhibition of energy-efficient equipment and technologies, and a cycling tour.
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