London allots 16 mln pounds for 13 innovative energy projects in Ukraine

MOSCOW. May 6 (Interfax) - The British government has allotted 16 million pounds for the first 13 innovative energy projects under the InnovateUkraine program, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said.

"This is a very important event. We are cooperating with the British government very closely in the search for innovative energy projects in Ukraine. They have allotted 16 million pounds for the first best 13 projects selected in the contest. These are projects of various kinds to facilitate the green transition," Ukrainian media cited Galushchenko as telling reporters in Kiev after a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on May 2.

The media said with the reference to the Ukrainian Energy Ministry's website that projects concern energy efficiency and heat supply, implementation of innovative battery solutions for renewable energy sources, and innovative technologies to optimize and increase biogas production.

"It is planned to implement the projects within the next two years. They will have support for further search for investments and entry into the market," the statement said.

Galushchenko noted the importance of a British contribution of 27.5 million euros to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and said that negotiations continued to contribute more this year.

He told reporters that Ukraine and the UK were also discussing urgent measures towards preparations for the next heating season.

"For instance, this is the matter of delivering energy equipment, including gas piston and gas turbine units," he said.

According to the Ukrainian Energy Ministry, the InnovateUkraine program, which is being implemented by the British innovation agency Innovate UK, will draw additional 5 million pounds from a private sector and facilitate cooperation between over 50 British and Ukrainian entities.