INOGATE participates in Sustainable Energy week in Ukraine, 23 June - Lviv, Ukraine

Objective

The EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), held in Lviv from 23 to 27 June proved to have something for everyone – from celebrations of cities newly committed to sustainability within the Covenant of Mayors to cycle races and information events on sustainable products. The EUSEW is an initiative of the European Commission, designed to spread best practices, inspire new ideas and build alliances to help both Ukraine and the EU meet their energy and climate mitigation goals. EUSEW showcases renewable energy solutions and greater energy efficiency and was an ideal platform for INOGATE second appearance at this event.

INOGATE provided prizes for participants in a cycle race through central Lviv, as well as for those who participated in other games and competitions on sustainable energy. INOGATE promotional materials focused on its programme in Ukraine and on its support for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The INOGATE Programme was also featured in an information corner on its technical assistance where visitors participated in discussions on awareness raising of sustainable energy, INOGATE seminars and workshops and how to join European initiatives on energy efficiency.

Among the more colourful events during EUSEW, 100 students formed the map of Ukraine and sang the">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQkC-xyAyBU&feature=youtu.be">the EU anthem ; workshops were held for visitors on how to construct a solar collector and how to watch a movie by spinning the pedals of an electric engine. Children participated in games demonstrating the hidden opportunities to use renewable energy in everyday life.

On a more formal note, the EUSEW was opened by Jan Tombinski, Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Andriy Sadovy, Mayor of the City of Lviv, Andril Bilousov, Deputy Ministry of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities and Gerard Magnin, Executive Director of Energy Cities. The conference also included the induction of 20 new cities from Eastern and Western Ukraine into the Covenant of Mayors. To date, 71 Ukrainian cities are committed to implementing the ambitious sustainable energy action plans required by the Covenant of Mayors.

The Mayor of Dolyna, Volodymyr Harazd, the first Ukrainian city to sign the Covenant in 2009, shared his experience with new entrants during the Covenant of Mayors conference. Delegates also heard from the Deputy Minister of Regional Development, Building and Communal Services, Andrii Bilousov, from mayors of the cities of Zaporozhie and Dnepropetrovs, and representatives of projects, banks and associations that are cooperating in the development of sustainable energy in Ukraine, as well as representatives of the INOGATE Programme. Participant interest was high in the INOGATE programme, with energy stakeholders requesting information on future common actions in sustainable energy and on Ad Hoc Technical Facility (AHEF) assistance from INOGATE.

The speakers concluded with an emphasis on the importance of energy saving, particularly in the light of the current political situation in Ukraine and how this may influence its energy security. They called for the creation of homeowners associations and the development of governmental programmes to increase the use of energy efficient sources.