At the dialogue event organised by the Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in the Zakarpattia Oblast, the heads of local municipalities discussed the ways and practical options for achieving greater energy sustainability.
The head of this Office, Pavlo Lohvinov, emphasised:
“War, energy crisis, global climate change, demand to develop ‘green’ energy — all this requires taking new approaches to energy management. The Zakarpattia Oblast has a unique potential for renewable energy development. And together, by joining forces, we will be able to achieve great results.”
Taras Tryndiak, Head of the Department of Economic and Regional Development of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration, presented the possibilities of regional and state programmes to support energy-efficient measures at the municipality level, as well as other non-state initiatives. He believes that the introduction of energy-efficient technology today will save budget funds as well as ensure sustainable development of the region, while being key to raising the standard of living in municipalities.
The event featured the heads of Duba and Drahovo municipalities, who shared their experience of improving energy sustainability. Both of them systematically work on the implementation of alternative energy sources for greater energy independence of the utility infrastructure.
The head of the Duba municipality, Denys Kahanets, presented to his colleagues the experience of systematic implementation of alternative energy sources in the municipality and the project “Increasing Energy Security of the Duba Municipality” implemented with the support of U-LEAD in 2023. As part of the project, a municipal hybrid solar power plant was installed on the building of the village council. The plant is equipped with a thermal energy storage, and the battery ensures uninterrupted operation of the village council even in case of emergency power outages. The produced electricity fully meets the needs of the village council building and illuminates the square and children’s playground in the centre of the village in the summer season.
Furthermore, the Duba municipality developed the Energy Independence Programme until 2030 and has been implementing a municipal energy management system. The village council has already assigned an energy manager responsible for monitoring the consumption of energy resources and implementing energy-efficient measures in subordinate institutions.
In turn, Drahovo village head Mykhailo Dovhanych talked about the practical aspects of implementing alternative energy sources in the municipal and private sectors. More than seven dozen solar power plants are already operating in the municipality, and the work continues:
“Energy security is not only a strategy, but also our daily responsibility to residents, because their comfort and well-being depend on it. We already have 71 solar power plants with a capacity of 30 kW installed in the municipality, which generate an average of 21 MW per year. We are committed to creating conditions for attracting investments in renewable energy, as this is the way to energy independence and sustainability of the municipality,” he stressed.
The heads of the Zakarpattia municipalities also discussed the technical and legal aspects of the introduction of alternative energy sources. After all, attracting funds and purchasing equipment are only the first steps to obtaining the desired kilowatts of alternative energy. The operation of such equipment has its own requirements and regulations. However, despite all the difficulties and challenges, this is the path to sustainable development today.
“Energy sustainability is critical for every municipality. We are all aware of how dependent we are on a stable supply of energy both in times of peace and in times of crisis. Both economic development and the quality of life, safety and comfort of our people are tied to effective energy management,” said Mykola Siusko, Deputy Head of the Regional Operations Unit at U-LEAD.
