OREANDA-NEWS. January 27, 2014. Ukraine has begun a competitive selection of cities to participate in an international project on energy efficiency. This was started by Vice Prime Minister Oleksandr Vilkul.

"Housing and communal services are one of the most difficult areas. For its modernization and increasing quality of public services to the Government, in addition to state financing, raising funds from international financial institutions (IFIs), examines best practices and attracting international experts. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of projects aimed at energy savings and natural gas savings," Vice Prime Minister Olexandr Vilkul said.

The Project of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the Municipal Energy Reform (MED) is planned for 4 years. Its total cost is USD 14.5 million. Applications from cities, the potential participants of the project can be filled by February 7, from which 15 participants will be selected (cities with populations from 100 000 to 1 million). Project goal - improving energy security of Ukraine, increase energy efficiency, including energy-saving technologies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attract private investment in the sector.

Also, now the Government together with international financial institutions implements 4 projects worth more than UAH 3 billion in Ukraine to upgrade housing, local infrastructure and energy efficiency technologies. In addition, the Ministry of Regional Development is working to prepare for the implementation with IFIs other more 5 projects worth nearly UAH 10 billion. Projects related to improving the efficiency of regional governance, self-governance, energy, resource conservation and environmental problems.