Kharkiv, Ukraine — Kharkiv’s Mayor, Ihor Terekhov, has announced an ambitious project aimed at ensuring the city’s energy independence. The initiative involves creating an energy “island” that will allow Kharkiv to detach from central energy supplies and maintain a stable energy supply during the heating season.
Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, has been subjected to relentless attacks by Russian forces for the past two and a half years. These assaults have targeted the city’s civilian infrastructure in an attempt to force its residents into submission.
Plans and Achievements
As part of preparations for the heating season, Kharkiv plans to install 140 energy generation facilities. Over 50 installations have already been set up, including generators, combined heat and power units, and modular block heating systems. These facilities are expected to ensure stability in heating and electricity supply, even if there are interruptions in the centralized energy system.
“This is indeed an ambitious plan. When we talk about 141 units, we are referring to both electricity generation and combined heat and power units, as well as modular block heating systems needed for the heating season. These capacities will be sufficient to provide Kharkiv with stable heat and light. We also plan to expand our capabilities next year, continuing to develop the energy ‘island’ and reduce our dependence on central supplies,” emphasized Ihor Terekhov.
Ongoing Work
Mayor Terekhov also noted that work on the project is ongoing, nearly around the clock. The city is actively collaborating with international financial institutions and humanitarian organizations to procure the necessary equipment.
“We are working intensively with our regular international partners, such as USAID and the Red Cross. Many of them have already conducted tenders, and we are expecting the delivery of equipment. Manufacturing such equipment takes time, so we continue our work: laying foundations, connecting networks, and preparing for the winter period,” explained the Mayor.
Support from International Partners
International support is crucial for the successful implementation of the project. USAID and the Red Cross play key roles in procuring and installing the necessary equipment for the energy “island.”
“We are grateful to our international partners for their assistance. Their support is not only financial but also technical, which is extremely important under the current circumstances,” added Ihor Terekhov.
This project is critical for ensuring Kharkiv’s energy independence and improving the living conditions of its residents amidst the ongoing threat of Russian aggression.
For more detailed information on the situation in Kharkiv, read our article: Russian Offensive on Kharkiv: What We Know.