On April 22, “Ekonomichna Pravda”, alongside the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, held the conference “Reconstruction of Ukraine. Why it should not be delayed until victory.” The event brought together government representatives, heads of state institutions and donor organizations involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The conference was opened by Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration, who outlined the main focus of the country’s reconstruction. Kubrakov expressed hope that by the start of the new heating season, Ukraine will have time to partially repair the energy infrastructure damaged by the russians.
At the first panel dedicated to housing reconstruction, Yehor Fareniuk, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Fund, spoke about the current state of implementation of the “VidnovyDIM” Program, in particular, he emphasized that the EEF expects additional financing in the amount of UAH 800 million from international donors (EU) for the “VidnovyDIM” Program. In addition, the head of the institution emphasized that it is necessary to apply a complex approach to the issue of reconstruction at the state level because it is impossible to cover such a big task that is currently facing the country with one tool. We need to understand who is doing what, and only in this way will we synchronously rebuild the country together.
Yehor Fareniuk also spoke about the EEF’s immediate plans, in particular, about the launch of the new “GreenDIM” Program, which should become a lifesaver for many HOAs in the face of constant destruction of heat electric station. The “GreenDIM” Program is surprisingly important; I would say it is a national issue. Firstly, it is a matter of energy security and energy independence because houses are becoming more resistant to supply interruptions and energy price fluctuations. Secondly, it promotes decentralization because they can generate their own electricity, reducing their dependence on centralized power supply networks. Our Program will allow residents of multi-apartment buildings to have a reliable replacement for centralized electricity and energy supply systems,” said Yehor Fareniuk.
During the pilot phase of this initiative, grants will be available for the installation of heat pumps and solar plants, as well as accompanying equipment such as inverters and batteries. This, unfortunately, will not fully provide for all the needs of the house, but at least it will help the individual heating station to work and provide houses with heat water supply.
Besides, Olena Shuliak, the head of the “Servant of the People” party, joined the discussion of the first panel and cited the latest research on existing capacities, rapid recovery; in particular, 90% of the construction materials that Ukraine will need for reconstruction can be produced in Ukraine. The new production facilities will bring Ukraine 100,000 jobs, $16 billion in added value, and up to $5 billion in taxes.
We would like to remind that recently the EEF took part in the annual “Recovery Construction Forum”