On Wednesday, 15 June, Ukrainian Prime
Minister Volodymyr Groysman
met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz in Washington within the
framework of his visit to the United States. The
sides discussed the plans of the Government towards achieving energy
independence of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Groysman emphasized that energy independence is a matter of
national security of Ukraine. "Our
task is diversification and an energy efficient state, and we are working on it
now. Reform of energy sector is one of the important priorities," stated Volodymyr Groysman.
The Prime
Minister informed about the Government’s first steps in this direction. Thus,
on May 1, the Government introduced the single market-based gas price, Volodymyr Groysman reminded. This
decision will help overcome corruption in this area,
stimulate an increase in Ukraine’s own gas production and energy efficiency. At
the same time, we will provide social targeted support to those in need of such
support following the introduction of the market-based gas price. "Energy
efficiency is an issue of our agenda," Volodymyr
Groysman emphasized.
The Government also draws special attention
to nuclear power and alternative energy development, he pointed out. In
the near future the Government will adopt the strategy of development of
hydropower. According
to the Prime Minister, the potential of the share of hydropower industry could
be increased to 15.5% in the balance of power generation in the country
compared to 8.5% as of today.
Separately, the Prime
Minister stressed the need for modernization and restructuring of Ukrainian
mines.
In addition, the
Government concentrates its efforts on the reform of NJSC Naftogaz.
The Prime
Minister thanked for the support of the United States in the energy sector. "The
Government is absolutely committed to reforms, because Ukraine and Ukrainians
need these reforms," he noted and called for deepening bilateral
cooperation.
In turn,
representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy pledged their readiness to
support Ukraine and cooperate towards achieving energy efficiency of Ukraine.
