On September 18, the USAID Energy Security Project (ESP) jointly with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), conducted the final workshop of the series of 10 technical educational events. These workshops focused on introducing modern technical solutions to enhance energy efficiency and decarbonize Ukraine’s district heating (DH) systems. More than 2,700 representatives from national, regional, and local authorities, as well as heat supply utilities, participated in these sessions. The final event highlighted the potential for developing energy facilities based on municipal infrastructure.
In his welcome speech, Michael Trainor, the USAID ESP Chief of Party, noted that during the previous heating season, the USAID ESP provided 91 cogeneration plants to 32 cities in Ukraine and two national universities.
Nataliia Khotsianivska, Head of the Public Services Department at the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, gave an overview of Ukraine’s current district heating landscape. She noted that the country operates over 18,000 boilers, most of which are powered by natural gas. There are also over 17,000 heat networks, with more than 80% of them in operation for over 15 years, and over 100,000 buildings that require thermal modernization. “The scale of modernization is significant, requiring not only the introduction of modern technologies but also comprehensive planning for a transition to efficient DH systems,” Khotsianivska emphasized. She highlighted the need for a realistic plan for the gradual transition from outdated systems to energy-efficient heat supply systems in line with the best EU practices.
The workshop explored modern DH system solutions, including the use of multiple types of energy sources, which are being implemented in EU countries (Kyrylo Baranchuk, Danfoss LLC). Participants also gained insights into the practical experience of installing and operating municipal energy facilities in Sonderborg, Denmark, and their integration with the national energy system and waste heat sources (Allan Pilgaard-Jenssen, ProjectZero, Denmark). Moreover, they discussed the potential of integrating heat pumps, electric boilers, and heat accumulators into Ukraine’s existing DH systems (Pavlo Karas, Public Utility Cherkasyteplocommunenergo).
The event featured a discussion between representatives from the NEURC, the Ministry for Restoration, and heat supply utilities. They shared practical insights on implementing modern technical solutions in Ukraine’s DH systems, covering lessons learned, challenges faced, and solutions proposed. The potential of cogeneration plants was also explored, with discussions on capacity choices, key stages of installation and commissioning, and the use of renewable energy sources and their integration. Coordination between DH systems and other municipal infrastructure facilities was another key topic.
USAID ESP remains dedicated to supporting the Government of Ukraine, local communities, and heat supply utilities in ensuring the sustainable operation and development of DH systems. The Project will continue working with the NEURC and ministries to develop the legal and regulatory framework necessary for integrating various heat sources, while ensuring the energy and economic efficiency of Ukraine’s DH systems.