PM discussed with leadership of US Energy Department enhancing cooperation in energy sector

On Wednesday, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman held a meeting with U.S. Assistant Energy Secretary for the Office of International Affairs  Jonathan Elkind and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal and Carbon Management David Mohler. The sides discussed areas of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and reforms conducted by the Ukrainian Government in energy .

Volodymyr Groysman informed that at today's session the Government approved the concept of the creation of a National Fund for Energy Efficiency.

Moreover, on July 1, the Government approved NJSC Naftogaz unbundling plan.

"We will continue to pursue the reform of the energy sector, as this is crucial for our country," said the Prime Minister.

The agenda of the Government also involves de-monopolization of the market, intelligent deregulation, promotion of energy efficiency, issues of nuclear power, thermal power generation, development of renewable energy. In these areas Ukraine is open to deepen cooperation, pointed out Volodymyr Groysman.

He reminded that the decision taken by the Government to introduce a market-based gas price will stimulate an increase in gas production in Ukraine, as well as energy efficiency and reducing consumption.

"I'm interested in creating completely market conditions and not leaving room for any corruption in the energy sector in general," underlined the Head of Government. However, this solution suffers significant criticismfrom populists, he noted.

Volodymyr Groysman also informed his interlocutors that recently Kyiv Economic Court of Appeal had lifted the arrest from the Energoatom’s accounts.

The sides discussed cooperation in the areas of preparation for the heating season, the issue of cybersecurity and the possibility of U.S. assistance in carrying out energy efficiency programs in Ukraine. TheAmerican experts expressed their readiness to share experience with the use of clean energy technologies and to continue collaboration.

U.S. Assistant Energy Secretary for the Office of International Affairs  Jonathan Elkind stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the energy system and the development of medium-term plans.

He praised the decision to unblock the accounts of Energoatom, approval of the Naftogaz unbundling plan.The U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy also noted the importance of establishing the market price for gas in Ukraine - "this step is extremely necessary for further progress."

"We are pleased with the positive steps taken on the path of to reform in order to create foundations for future development," pointed out U.S. Assistant Energy Secretary Jonathan Elkind.

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