Hanna Zamazeyeva, Head of the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, spoke at the Solar Agro Conference organized by the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine.
In her address, she outlined key financing opportunities available to the agricultural sector in the context of transitioning to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
One of the main tools for such support is the Ukraine Decarbonization Fund, created with the participation of the Parliament in 2023–2024. Ms. Zamazeyeva emphasized that farmers can already take advantage of concessional financing for implementing energy-efficient and decarbonization measures.
“There’s no need to create additional programs – the Fund already exists, is operational, and offers loans at 9% interest for up to 10 years. These funds are available for the installation of solar power plants, energy storage systems, cogeneration units, conversion to alternative fuels, and other energy-saving projects,” Hanna Zamazeyeva stated.
As of mid-2025, the Fund’s budget amounts to UAH 1.5 billion, and the maximum support per project is up to UAH 90 million (up to UAH 150 million for a group of companies). Applications are reviewed by the State Agency for Energy Efficiency, which evaluates whether they meet the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions.
Special attention during the speech was given to the importance of integrating energy storage systems (ESS) into all new generation projects:
“In Germany and Austria, subsidies are granted only if an energy storage system is installed alongside the solar power plant. Ukraine is also moving in this direction, and we see ESS not as a cost, but as a path to energy autonomy and new business models.”
Ms. Zamazeyeva added that the payback period for solar installations with storage ranges from 5 to 7 years, and such systems allow for efficient use of peak electricity pricing, creating opportunities for additional income for farmers.
She also highlighted the potential of bioenergy in the agricultural sector, particularly the use of agricultural waste to produce biomethane, bioethanol, or to power cogeneration units. According to her, new legislation mandating a minimum share of bio-based fuels opens additional opportunities for agri-producers, provided sustainability criteria are met in accordance with RED II / RED III directives.
“You don’t have waste – you have a resource. Renewable energy produced from agricultural residues not only reduces costs but also improves your compliance with sustainable development goals and European standards,” said the Head of the State Agency for Energy Efficiency.
In conclusion, Hanna Zamazeyeva emphasized that the Decarbonization Fund has already supported dozens of projects, including in greenhouse farms, meat processing plants, and baby food enterprises, and continues to accept applications. Plans include modifying support tools, including the introduction of differentiated interest rates that will take into account the installation of ESS, as practiced in several EU countries.