|
USAID Assists Ukraine Increase its Energy Security
Kyiv, Ukraine - Today, July 10, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a $1 million program to help increase energy efficiency in Ukraine and strengthen Ukraine's energy independence. USAID/Ukraine Mission Director Earl Gast United announced the program during a press conference in Odessa, where he had traveled to learn more about energy efficiency efforts.
"We expect two outcomes from this program," explained Earl Gast. "First, we expect to help the participating companies to save a significant amount of natural gas, and second, to establish a model for other Ukrainian companies to emulate. In doing so, the program will achieve its object - increased energy efficiency in Ukraine's industrial sector."
The USAID Ukraine Industrial Energy Efficiency Initiative Program will provide technical assistance and low-cost financing solutions to increase energy efficiency in Ukraine's industrial sector. USAID will also promote partnerships between international and Ukrainian energy services companies (ESCOs) to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian ESCOs to finance and implement energy efficiency projects in Ukraine.
With possible low-cost financing from the U.S. Ex-Im Bank and other financial institutions, over 15 industrial plants will work to reduce their natural gas consumption. The project will also support dissemination of best practices to other industrial companies.
The 18-month program will include:
1. Energy audits and financing from international and national financial institutions to prepare and implement energy efficiency projects.
2. A trade mission of international energy service companies to learn about prospective Ukrainian counterparts.
3. Cost-sharing support to western ESCOs interested in partnering with Ukrainian ESCOs.
4. Assistance to the Government of Ukraine in developing a national plan of priority energy efficiency actions to decrease the energy intensity of Ukraine's industry.
The program will be implemented by U.S.-based International Resource Group (IRG) and its subcontractor, the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE). The program team will also include Ukrainian companies, including ESCOs, other types of energy service providers, as well as international experts in energy efficiency and project financing.
Since 1992, USAID has provided over $1.4 billion worth of technical and humanitarian assistance supporting Ukraine's democratic, economic and social transition.
US Embassy in Ukraine web site
July 2006
|
