UK Ambassador to Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine launch the Green Transition Office

• UK and Ukraine set in motion a new unit to develop a state policy for decarbonisation and climate-compatible growth

• The Green Transition Office will develop policy tools necessary for the Government of Ukraine to rebuild a greener, more resilient economy

• The new unit will also work to help Ukrainian companies attract green finance and enhance the role of the private sector in Ukraine’s green transition

During the event, Harris and Svyrydenko signed a memorandum of understanding and gave remarks on the Green Transition Office’s work and Ukraine’s approach to decarbonisation in the context of the upcoming COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan. The pair committed to ongoing cooperation to ensure Ukraine will emerge from the war with a clear policy framework for green transition and the ability to attract finance to fund its transformation. 

The UK has committed over £1 million in international development funding for the Green Transition Office via the FCDO’s Ukraine Resilience and Energy Security programme. The Office was designed with the help and advice of the UK’s Climate Change Committee, established in 2008. 

The Green Transition Office will help implement Ukraine’s National Energy and Climate Plan, a cross-sector plan setting out milestones and policy measures to help Ukraine meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. The Green Transition Office will provide expert advice and support to Ukraine’s ministries, with a view to attracting green investment and enhancing the role of business in Ukraine’s green recovery. 

Speaking at the event, Martin Harris said: 

As Russian attacks target Ukraine’s energy and power infrastructure, the UK is committed to supporting Ukraine in rebuilding an energy system that is more secure, more sustainable, decentralised and smarter. We are helping Ukraine plan for a Net-Zero future and for integration with European energy markets. 

By providing expert advice and mobilising businesses, the Green Transition Office will help transform Ukraine’s economy. 

First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko said: 

The opening of the Green Transition Office is an important step that demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to sustainable economic development. We aim to incorporate the green transition into our strategies and plans for Ukraine’s recovery. This will help us on our way to the EU and create new business and investment opportunities.  

Collaboration with international partners, including the United Kingdom, is crucial to advancing the green agenda, and we urge the media and the public to support us in covering this important step for Ukraine’s future. 

Andriy Kitura, Head of the Green Transition Office said: 

Our task is to develop effective mechanisms for implementing the principles of the green transition in Ukraine’s economy. Together with our international partners, we will work to attract green investments and help Ukraine achieve the climate and energy goals defined in the National Energy and Climate Plan. Today, we are launching a platform for cooperation, innovation and gradual movement towards a sustainable future. 

Olena Pavlenko, President at DiXi Group said:

Recovery of Ukraine in line with European standards is a task that cannot be done by a narrow circle. This process requires the involvement of experts, business, international donors, and the local communities – only a united effort can produce a quick and high-quality result. The Green Transition Office should become one of the tools for communication and cooperation between all stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals in the energy, climate and economic development as a whole.

Announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in June 2024, the Green Transition Office builds on the UK’s support to Ukraine’s National Energy and Climate Plan, one of the policy measures Ukraine was required to develop in order to unlock €50bn of funding under the EU’s Ukraine Facility. One of the Office’s key responsibilities will be implementing Ukraine’s National Energy and Climate Plan.  

The UK’s support to Ukraine’s energy system also includes vital repairs and protection to energy infrastructure in the face of Russian attacks. This includes emergency support to reconnect customers to the grid, as well as the delivery of generators for those cut off from the power network.