Norway will support Ukraine in the field of bioenergy

21.01.2019 Norwegian ambassador in Ukraine Ole Terje Horpestad was was interviewed in the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kyiv as he geared up for the Norwegian-Ukrainian Business Forum in Oslo. More than 325 participants, almost evenly split from both nations, are expected to attend.

The event takes place on Jan. 28 and has top-level political participation. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman will speak. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko will also take part.

At the conference, Horpestad said, his country will make a welcome announcement. “Norway has decided to step up substantially our energy cooperation with Ukraine this year in four areas,” he said. While the amount hasn’t been announced yet, the increase is expected to reach tens of millions of dollars over a period of years in four areas with the aim of helping Ukraine become more energy independent.

The four areas are:

1. An energy efficiency initiative in public buildings, including schools, city halls and hospitals, with the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation, or NEFCO.

2. Corporate governance reform of Naftogaz and other state-owned enterprises in conjunction with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD.

3. Greater participation in the multi-donor account with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in financing energy sector reforms and the funding of such institutions as the Business Ombudsman.

4. Help with boosting Ukraine’s hydropower potential.Read more here