Zviahel Leads by Example: Ukrainian Municipalities Explore Local Energy Solutions

Energy security remains a top priority for Ukrainian municipalities, particularly in wartime conditions and amid soaring energy prices. Local authorities are stepping up efforts to ensure critical infrastructure remains powered, reduce pressure on local budgets, and create more liveable communities.

To support this goal, representatives from 15 Ukrainian municipalities visited Zviahel during a study tour organised by the Covenant of Mayors – East initiative in partnership with NGO Ecoclub.

A signatory of the Covenant of Mayors, Zviahel has years of experience in implementing energy efficiency projects and attracting international investment. The community applies a strategic, long-term approach to urban energy planning. It has adopted a renewable energy strategy through 2030 and is currently developing both a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) and a Municipal Energy Plan.

Mykola Borovets, City Mayor of Zviahel, identified international cooperation as a key driver of progress. Between 2022 and 2025, Zviahel secured over EUR 4 million in international funding. These investments have helped modernise city infrastructure, support renewable energy development, and improve residents’ quality of life.

During the visit, participants examined several practical cases of successful energy transformation:

• Dolphin Child Development Centre. Previously one of the municipality’s most energy-intensive buildings, the centre now operates using a 24 kW solar power plant and two 50 kW heat pumps. This upgrade has drastically reduced energy costs and allows year-round use of the swimming pool for 200 children.
• Shelter for Internally Displaced People. The community transformed a former blood transfusion centre into housing for 47 displaced families. The building now features a rooftop solar station, full thermal insulation, and modernised utilities, providing safe and energy-efficient living conditions.
• Municipal Water Supply Company.The wastewater treatment facility now runs partially on solar power thanks to a 150 kW station. It cuts electricity use by 160,000–170,000 kWh annually, significantly lowering operational expenses and increasing resilience.

Zviahel also shared other strategic reforms:

• Completed an audit of the water and wastewater system.
• Replaced 85% of the city’s district heating network, reducing energy loss and improving service delivery.
• Reformed housing management in 2006 by replacing state-run housing offices with homeowner associations (OSBBs).

Maksym Vereshchak, Deputy Team Leader of Covenant of Mayors – East, highlighted the broader significance of the visit:

“Zviahel is openly sharing its successes and lessons learned. We believe this experience will benefit other municipalities and help them avoid similar challenges as they implement their own climate and energy initiatives.”