DTEK is ready to share its expertise and resources to lay a foundation for a just transformation for coal communities. It is very important to have the required regulatory initiatives and mechanisms developed by the state. This declaration was made by DTEK ENERGY CEO Ildar Salieiev during the annual meeting of the ‘Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition in the Western Balkans and Ukraine’ that was held in an online format on 23 and 24 June. The meeting was held under the auspices of the European Commission and was aimed at exchanging experience of coal phase-out and a just transition to sustainable energy sources in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Ildar Salieiev, DTEK ENERGY CEO, participated in the Panel discussion ‘Voices from the Coal Regions on Environmental/Repurposing Challenges’ and talked about DTEK ENERGY’s experience of promoting the formation of a supportive environment for attracting investments in single-industry towns using the opportunities provided by the mining infrastructure:
"Today, DTEK undergoes a transformation to become a more environmentally-clean, efficient, and highly-technological business, acting in line with the ESG principles. This is our contribution to the formation of Ukraine’s new economy. Moreover, since 2018, DTEK ENERGY, as a responsible employer and socially responsible business, has been helping the communities where our coal-mining assets operate with developing a road map for a just transition process. This map will guarantee the livelihood of these regions once the coal production has stopped. For instance, with DTEK’s support, the town of Dobropillia has become the first Ukrainian coal region that followed the path of economic diversification and developed a three-year program that includes over 40 projects aimed at creating new jobs in various industries ranging from construction to services. Now, DTEK ENERGY supports another three coal mining communities in Dnipropetrovsk Region that have developed their individual just transition programs."
According to Ildar Salieiev, DTEK ENERGY shares its expertise and resources to lay the foundation for a just transition. However, in his view, it is vitally important that this process wins support on the national and international levels: "Coal regions need the regulatory framework and adequate mechanisms developed on the state level to facilitate their just transition. They also need support from international donors that will enable them to create alternative businesses, new jobs, and sources of financing for local budgets."
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The Coal Regions in Transition Initiative for Western Balkans and Ukraine was launched in December 2020 and is aimed at helping the countries and regions to transit from coal to a carbon-neutral economy. It will provide support to coal regions in the EU’s neighbouring countries, in particular, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
The Initiative is managed by the European Commission and cooperates with six international partners: the World Bank, Energy Community Secretariat, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank, Polish National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOSiGW), and the College of Europe in Natolin.