The Slobozhanske community, located in the Kharkiv region, has faced serious energy challenges in recent years. From the shutdown of the main energy enterprise in 2014 to the destruction of energy infrastructure due to military aggression during 2022-2024. In March 2024, as a result of a missile attack, the main capacities of the Zmiiv Thermal Power Plant were destroyed, forcing the community to seek new ways to provide its residents with heat and electricity. Today, we talk with the Slobozhansky village head about how they are overcoming these challenges and what innovative solutions they are implementing to ensure energy resilience.
Interview with Slobozhanske Settlement Head Dmytro Dikhtiar put light to the energy situation in the community
Q: Please tell us about the energy challenges your community has faced in recent years.
Dmytro Dikhtiar: Unfortunately, we have faced serious energy crises. Starting in 2014, when the main energy enterprise that provided Slobozhanske settlement with heat, water, and sewage stopped operating, and throughout all these years, we have repeatedly faced energy problems due to the threat of unstable operation of the Zmiiv TPP. During the full-scale invasion by Russia, the infrastructure of this enterprise was subjected to repeated missile attacks, and in March 2024, it suffered critical destruction, as a result of which there are no working power units to date.
Q: What measures are you taking to overcome these challenges?
Dmytro Dikhtiar: We are actively working on diversifying energy sources. We are currently developing design and estimate documentation for the construction of two gas boiler houses in the village. We are also completing the installation of solid fuel modular boiler houses to provide heat to the local healthcare facility.
Q: Are you considering the use of renewable energy sources?
Dmytro Dikhtiar: Absolutely. We are very interested in developing renewable energy. Currently, together with the Charitable Foundation “Repower Ukraine Foundation”, we are implementing a project to assess the solar potential of 16 municipal buildings in our community. These are mainly social and critical infrastructure facilities.
Q: Can you tell us more about this project?
Dmytro Dikhtiar: The project involves an accurate assessment and visualization of the solar potential of our buildings using special solar mapping technology. Various factors are analyzed: solar radiation, terrain, building geometry, roof shape, and shading. The goal is to obtain detailed recommendations on the optimal placement of solar panels and thermal collectors, as well as an approximate calculation of the cost of solar power plants and electricity consumption savings for each facility.
Q: What are your plans after completing this project?
Dmytro Dikhtiar: We plan to seek financial opportunities, including attracting funds from international foundations and investors, to implement the installation of solar stations on the assessed facilities. This will help us reduce dependence on traditional energy and increase the energy security of the community.
Q: Are you considering other alternative energy sources?
Dmytro Dikhtiar: Yes, we are considering various options. For example, we are planning the possibility of installing cogeneration units, including exploring the technical feasibility and advisability of installing such a unit at the solid waste landfill in Slobozhanske settlement.
Q: How do you ensure the energy resilience of the community in current conditions?
Dmytro Dikhtiar: We have developed comprehensive measures to ensure energy resilience. This includes providing generators, block-modular boiler houses (gas and solid fuel) for institutions, establishments, and utility companies in our community.
Q: Do you cooperate with other organizations in the energy sector?
Dmytro Dikhtiar: Yes, we actively cooperate with international organizations, in particular with UNICEF and the Charitable Foundation “Repower Ukraine Foundation”. We are also members of the Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine and the Association of Ukrainian Cities, which allows us to exchange experience and resources with other communities.
Q: What are the main challenges you see in the process of energy transformation of the community?
Dmytro Dikhtiar: The main challenges are related to the need to create new infrastructure for utility companies to provide quality communal services to the community’s population. This requires significant investments in the repair and modernization of all life support systems from the local budget. At the same time, we understand the importance of these changes for ensuring the sustainable development of our community.
Q: Thank you for the informative conversation. We wish you success in implementing your energy projects!
The energy transformation of the Slobozhanske community is a vivid example of how local communities are taking steps to adapt to difficult conditions and seek innovative solutions. From gas boilers to solar panels, from solid fuel installations to cogeneration, including at the solid waste landfill – the community is actively diversifying its energy sources.
Cooperation with the Repower Ukraine Foundation on assessing the solar potential of municipal buildings will not only help the community take a step towards renewable energy but can also become a model for other Ukrainian cities and villages.
It is important to note that this initiative is part of a broader project “New Energy – Promoting Dialogue for Sustainable Development of Ukrainian Coal Regions”. The project is implemented by partner organizations Germanwatch, the Center for Environmental Initiatives “Ecoaction”, the Luhansk Regional Human Rights Center “Alternative” with the support of the Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection of Germany in cooperation with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. This demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and support in the process of energy transformation in Ukraine.
The community’s systematic approach to energy security – from providing generators to planning long-term renewable energy projects – lays the foundation for sustainable development not only of Slobozhanske but can also become an example for other coal regions of Ukraine.
The experience of the Slobozhanske community demonstrates that even in the most difficult conditions, it is possible to find ways to increase resilience, development, and innovation. This is a story of resilience and adaptability that can inspire other communities in Ukraine on the path to energy independence and sustainable development. Thanks to such initiatives and international support, Ukraine is taking important steps towards energy security and an environmentally friendly future.
