LEGAL ASPECTS OF REGULATING INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES IN UKRAINE'S ENERGY SECTOR

Abstract

The article examines the legal aspects of regulating innovative activities in Ukraine's energy sector. It has been determined that ensuring legal regulation will create favorable conditions for the development and implementation of innovations in the following areas: the development and implementation of regulatory legal acts, financial support for innovative projects, simplification of licensing and certification procedures, fostering cooperation between scientific institutions and businesses, and the development of infrastructure for innovations. Purpose. The aim of the work is to deeply analyze the functions of government bodies that facilitate the development and implementation of innovative technologies in Ukraine's energy sector. Scientific novelty. The powers of the National Agency of Ukraine for the Efficient Use of Energy Resources have been reviewed and systematized, which include the following: obtaining information, involving specialists, convening meetings, representing Ukraine at the international level. The tasks and functions performed by the National Agency of Ukraine for the Efficient Use of Energy Resources are specified as follows: formation of state policy, participation in the development of state programs, approval of normative acts, development and control of programs, fuel and energy balances, procurement for state needs, monitoring and control, state expertise, norms and standards, scientific research, investment policy, alternative fuels, monitoring funded projects, management of state property, cogeneration installations, state secrets, cooperation with the EU, information activities, energy audits, Kyoto Protocol, energy labeling, price and tariff policy. Methods and methodology. Various methodological approaches were used in the research process, including analysis and synthesis, historical and logical modeling. Results. The proposed article pays particular attention to the analysis of the functioning aspects of government bodies that facilitate the development and implementation of innovative technologies in Ukraine's energy sector. Conclusions. The role of the State Energy Efficiency Inspection's powers in the context of the National Agency for the Efficient Use of Energy Resources (NAER) is extremely important for ensuring Ukraine's energy security, increasing the efficiency of energy resources use, and achieving national sustainable development goals. The authors propose to introduce relevant amendments to the Regulations on the National Agency of Ukraine for the Efficient Use of Energy Resources and the State Energy Efficiency Inspection. Expanding the scope of regulatory acts will enhance the effectiveness of management decisions, as it will allow the agencies not only to regulate but also to actively shape energy-saving practices by providing recommendations and instructions that will be easier to implement at the enterprise and organizational levels.