Energy-Resilient Solutions Are Becoming a Priority for Communities

For Ukrainian communities, energy efficiency is no longer just a trend or a long-term strategic goal. This winter, hundreds of communities lived under scheduled power outages. This is driving a more determined search for opportunities and solutions that help use energy more efficiently, reduce costs, and create backup power sources for critical infrastructure.

These are exactly the kinds of solutions that participants of the program “Energy Resilience and Independence of Communities” have been working on over the past three months. The program is implemented by the NGO “Kyiv School of Public Administration named after Serhiy Nyzhnyi” with the support of the “Together with Kernel” Charitable Foundation.

For some communities, project development effectively started from scratch — beginning with the creation of energy balances. Some modeled the operation of water utilities, while others faced a lack of data and gradually transformed fragmented information into a clear technical picture.

Among the key solutions presented by participants are solar power plants, energy storage systems for schools and hospitals, modernization of energy systems for water utilities, and the introduction of energy-efficient equipment.

Olena Lenska, Head of the Alternative Energy Department at the State Agency on Energy Efficiency, noted while speaking as an expert:
“Behind every presentation lies a great deal of work, analysis, and effort by community teams. The most valuable thing is seeing how the mindset is changing — when communities begin to view their development not only through the lens of today’s needs, but strategically, thinking about energy, resources, reserves, and the future.”

The first communities to receive funding for the construction of their own solar power plants will be Khmelivska, Synivska, Talalaivska, and Prylutskа communities (in Sumy and Chernihiv regions). Other project participants will also continue to receive support and guidance from us and our partners.

This is an example of how educational materials turn into strategies, and strategies into real plans. Oleksii Ryk, a representative of the Khmelivska community that is receiving funding, said:
“For our community, it is a great honor to participate in this program, and especially to be among its winners. This is not only recognition of our work, but also a powerful incentive to move forward. Programs like this help communities become stronger and more energy-resilient, opening new opportunities for development and innovation.”

We are grateful to every community that has gone through this journey, and to our partners for supporting not just ideas, but the commitment of communities to work systematically.