Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said that one of nation's top priorities is the development of alternative (renewable) energy, First Vice Premier Andriy Kliuyev said at a first meeting of the interagency commission for energy development, the first vice premier's press service reported last week.
He said that the key directions would be the development of solar, wind and hydro energy on small and medium rivers.
"Adding the development of shale and coalmine gas extraction, steps in energy saving and increasing the economy’s energy efficiently, Ukraine should make a breakthrough in the provision of its energy independence in the next ten years," Kliuyev said.
He said that the country should clearly define what alternative sources should be developed and where to develop them.
Kliuyev criticized the results of the realization of a comprehensive program for the construction of wind power plants. According to the National Agency for Efficient Energy Consumption, over the 14 years of the program’s realization, only 52% of planned funds were allocated to build wind power plants, and only 17% of the facilities were built.
He also said that it is necessary to efficiently use potential of small and medium rivers. Relevant proposals are to be drawn up by the next meeting of the commission.
Some ministries and bodies, jointly with regional administration, were instructed to analyze and make proposals on the optimization of the electricity generation structure in each Ukrainian region, taking into account the need to increase the share of alternative energy. Taking into consideration today’s needs, and forecasted needs, energy development programs are to be specified for each region, the first vice premier said.
Kliuyev said that the creation of high-quality energy consumption reports for each region, as started in 2006 by the government then led by President Yanukovych, should be continued.
