The European Commission and the Swedish EU Presidency are set to announce, on 26 November, a new programme to support energy efficiency in Eastern Europe at a “donor” conference in Stockholm. So far, though, the Commission has proposed a mere €10 million annually for the so-called Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership. This money, over a four-year period, will complement troubled Ukraine’s own contribution to the fund. The Commission is also hoping that other countries will make pledges for the fund that has a particular focus on district heating.

MODEST INVESTMENTS, BIG RESULTS

“Modest investments can bring big results. I hope that we can demonstrate in Ukraine that energy efficiency is good for the economy, good for the consumer, and good for the planet,” said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the commissioner for external relations. She pointed to Ukraine’s “fantastic” potential for saving energy as the single best opportunity to improve the country’s energy security. As the EU’s vital gas transit partner - responsible for some 20% of all EU gas imports - Ukraine has been chosen as the country to kick off the energy efficiency aid programme for the Eastern Partnership region.

The Commission wants significant pledges from participants so as to leverage larger sums from the international financial institutions. The Commission further says it is prepared to help via the Neighbourhood Investment Facility as well as by mobilising actions under the Covenant of Mayors. Ukraine has one of the highest energy intensities in the world. Although it has reduced its energy intensity - defined as energy consumption per unit of GDP - the country remains far behind EU states.