Since 1994 Ukraine has proclaimed an introduction of new energy policies.
The proclamations are often very general statements of policy, many of
which refer to the importance of energy supply. Few of these policy statements,
however, are backed up by specific legislation, obligations or resources.
Many of the energy policies adopted and applied to date give little significance
to the environmental impact of energy production and consumption, provide
disincentives for investments in alternative energy sources and/or energy
efficiency projects and set misleading and perverse economic signals. Unfortunately,
Ukrainian policy makers tend to underestimate investments in clean energy
mainly because of time lags. Very often it takes from 3 to 5 years or more
to realise the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy investments,
whereas political mandates of policy makers achieve much quicker results.
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