Ukraine has good chance of becoming energy independent by 2020 – PM Groysman

Ukraine has a good chance of achieving energy independence by 2020 due to increased gas production by the state-owned Ukrgazvydobuvannia and private producers, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman says, according to the government press service.

"Our goal is to produce by 2020 some 20 billion cubic meters [of gas]. Although last year, we consumed 33 billion. Therefore, there is still a question of private companies producing gas. Plus, measures aimed at energy saving. We must produce as much gas as we consume. To this end, two things are needed: extracting more and consuming less... We have a good chance of gaining energy independence by 2020," the prime minister said.

According to the head of the government, Ukraine needs to introduce modern energy-saving technologies.

"In fact, we are already reducing gas consumption very significantly, but we need to go a long way. I hope that an entirely new mechanism of the State Energy Efficiency Fund will be launched this fall. And this will be an instrument allowing us to systemically modernize our housing sector," said Groysman.

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As UNIAN reported, Groysman previously announced plans to increase by 2020 own production of gas as one of the main energy carriers, up to 27 billion cubic meters, which will cover Ukraine's internal needs.

Also, the government was planning to start gas exports after 2020. The same goals are reflected in the previously adopted Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2035.

According to the prime minister, the growth of own gas production in Ukraine will allow, through the achievement of energy independence, to reduce gas prices across the country by 20-30%.