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Ukrainian companies win energy efficiency excellence awards
Three Ukrainian companies: Ivano-FrankivskCement, Kharkiv “Saltovsky” bakery and Tsyrupinsk Paper Mill were declared winners of the Energy Efficiency Excellency Awards Completion, organised by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The winners demonstrated commitment to energy-saving technologies and showed a new approach to energy efficiency, which can become a benchmark for Ukrainian business.
All three companies received financing for their energy efficiency initiatives through EBRD partner-banks (Ukreximbank and Kreditprombank) within the framework of the Ukraine Energy Efficiency Programme launched by the Bank in 2007. The purpose of the €100 million Programme (UKEEP) is to tackle Ukraine’s energy intensity, which is more than three times higher than the European Union average.
Successful implementation of the Programme was made possible by technical assistance grants provided by the Swedish government and the Austrian Federal Finance Ministry. Consultants funded by them helped in project screening, marketing and running an information campaign, as well as in identifying specific energy efficiency measures and preparing loan applications.
Josue Tanaka, EBRD Director for Energy Efficiency said: “We are delighted to single out these energy efficiency-conscious companies, which are ready to lead by example and reduce energy consumption. The Bank is aware of the importance of the UKEEP initiative in Ukraine and is committed to pledge more funds for it in coming years”
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is the biggest financial investor in Ukraine. As of January 2008 it had committed over €3.2 billion through more than 161 projects.
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