The Ukrainian government is actively responding to the country's energy challenges with new support programs aimed at increasing the sustainability of electricity supply and developing decentralized energy. An important step in this direction will be the introduction of interest-free loans for businesses and individuals to finance solar panels and other renewable energy sources.
The Cabinet of Ministers presented programs to support decentralized energy for citizens and businesses.
This was stated by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a meeting of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine.
In particular, he outlined five main areas of the Government's work in the energy sector.
"Rapid restoration of energy facilities. Here, the Ministry of Energy has approved all plans and repair programs in both thermal, hydro and nuclear generation. The second direction is the protection of facilities and an increase in air defense. The third direction is the development of a decentralized energy system. These are new opportunities for people, businesses and communities. The fourth direction is to increase electricity imports from Europe to 2.2 GW. The fifth direction is to attract funds and equipment from partners," Shmyhal said.
The Prime Minister spoke in detail about the programs for the population and business that are already in place and will be launched in the near future.
- Interest-free loans for citizens for solar panels and wind turbines up to 10 kW of power. Loan up to UAH 480,000 for 10 years without collateral, at 0% per annum;
- Under the GreenDIM program, the state compensates homeowners with UAH 1 million for solar panels and UAH 2 million for heat pumps. This covers up to 70% of the project cost. The government has also developed a decision on lending to condominiums up to UAH 5 million;
- "5-7-9" loans for small and medium-sized businesses to install gas-fired power generation plants. Up to UAH 150 million for a term of up to 10 years at 5-9% with credit "holidays" of 6-12 months. Even more favorable conditions will apply in front-line territories;
- Lending to large businesses for 5-7 years with an interest rate of 14-16% to develop alternative generation;
- exemption of energy equipment from import duty and VAT. The relevant amendments to the legislation have been registered in the Parliament. The norms will be valid for citizens and businesses until the beginning of 2026;
- The time frame for obtaining technical conditions for connecting to electricity networks has been reduced from 10 to 2 days, the number of documents has been reduced from 7 to 2, the time frame for providing the service of connecting to the gas distribution system has been reduced to 1 month, there is no need to undergo land acquisition procedures and environmental impact assessment;
- A “hotline” and a website with information about new opportunities will be launched.
Denys Shmyhal noted that this entire set of measures will come into effect no later than July 25.
