Improving the energy efficiency of the Ukrainian economy and housing sector can be a major factor in the country’s recovery. Experts of the think tank “New Social and Economic Policy,” estimated Ukraine’s energy saving potential at $ 10 billion or the equivalent of 30 billion cubic meters of gas. The implementation of an energy efficiency program will ensure Ukraine’s energy independence and high GDP growth, Serhiy Lovochkin, a member of the OPPOSITION BLOC  parliamentary faction said in a statement. According to him, Ukraine should use the experience of Denmark, which has doubled its GDP without increasing energy consumption.

“It is important to highlight key priorities in the reform program. An energy efficiency program should become the engine of the Ukrainian economy. The potential for energy saving is huge. An energy efficiency program will allow generating 1.5 times more power with the same volume of natural resources or reducing their consumption by 40% in the housing sector. Each of these figures stands for an increase of the competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy and real improvement of people's lives,” Serhiy Lovochkin said.

In his opinion, Ukraine should use the experience of successful implementation of energy efficiency programs: “The example of Denmark, which thanks to the implementation of the program has doubled its GDP without increasing energy consumption, may become a reference point for Ukraine.”

“For two years we keep hearing regular statements on independence from Russia in the supply of natural resources. But in reality, Ukraine continues to buy Russian gas, if only with a premium of European intermediaries. This only leads to corruption and price hikes for Ukrainian consumers. Now the authorities again started talking about resumed gas purchases from Gazprom and intermittent electricity imports from Russia. Facts show that in reality no energy efficiency program is implemented. Cuts in the gas consumption have been made possible only by stopping entire sectors of our economy. The current energy saving program does not work,” Serhiy Lovochkin added.

The MP believes that the government can find funds within the current budget to implement an energy efficiency plan, if it becomes a priority. “It is important to tackle this issue seriously, rather than chant meaningless slogans. The current government is doing the opposite. They are quick to pass bills on renaming cities or banning symbols, but it is impossible to make the majority consider the reform of our wasteful energy consumption system. Therefore, a qualitative change in the lives of Ukrainians must begin with a qualitative change in economic management. When populist and militant amateurs are replaced with people, whose priority is Ukraine’s economic development, the nation will get a chance to become successful,” Serhiy Lovochkin summed up.