On June 2, a meeting of the Task Force on public policy in the field of renewable energy
On June 2, a meeting of the Task Force on public policy in the field of renewable energy, where issues regarding the improvement of the environment for small energy sector development were considered. The event was held by the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving.
Free Energy has initiated discussions on the possibility of getting ‘green’ tariff upon commissioning of small hydropower plants that are built in treatment plants or using other waste potential. During the discussion, some representatives of the State Agency suggested that it would be inappropriate to give a ‘green’ tariff to the power plants that use waste water as those are utilities of public utility companies and not natural sources.
Anatoliy Nikolaichuk, Free Energy Сhief Business Development Officer, drew attention of the Task Force that the Ukrainian legislation does not provide for any reasons against using waste- water as a renewable energy source.
‘The Law of Ukraine ‘On alternative energy sources’ gives no clear definition of ‘hydro energy’ term, therefore, it could be argued that using hydro energy of any origin for electricity generation is possible,’ Anatoliy Nikolaichuksaid. In addition, he noted that the water at the outlet of treatment facilities has no owner, and its energy potential is not used, although being attractive to potential investors.
Free Energy viewpoint was supported by Oleksandr Karamushka, vice-President of Ukrhуdroenergo Association; Serhii Kozin, Head of Investment Attraction Department at the State Agency and other participants of the event. Serhii Kozin said that in 2015, amendments to certain laws of Ukraine were adopted, which allows for regulation, within the current legislation, of partnership between private companies and public utility companies.
During the discussion, participants agreed that it would be appropriate to apply ‘green’ tariff to small hydropower plants that are built in treatment plants or using other waste potential.