About the Project

Renewable energy (RE) has become a national priority for Ukraine as the country strives for energy independence and works to meet its climate commitments. For Sosnytsia, a community in northern Ukraine heavily affected by the full-scale Russian invasion, the transition to renewables is not just an environmental ambition — it is a vital necessity.

The Sosnytsia Renewable Energy Transition Concept to 2050 outlines a concrete action plan for post-war recovery and long-term sustainable development. By leveraging local resources — solar, wind, biomass, and small-scale hydropower — the community aims not only to meet its own energy needs but also to improve the environment and the wellbeing of its residents.

Background

• Sosnytsia community (Chernihiv region, northeast Ukraine) suffered significant damage during the war. Parts of the territory were under occupation.
• As of 2021, the population stands at 15,571.
• The local economy is based on food production, wood processing, and light machinery manufacturing.
• 55% of the municipal budget is allocated to education.
• Most buildings are poorly insulated, resulting in high heat losses and energy inefficiency — a widespread issue in post-Soviet housing.
• Two renewable pilot projects have already been implemented:
  • A solar power plant was installed on the roof of the local hospital.
  • A hybrid ground-mounted solar plant at the central water intake facility.

 

 

 

 

Project Objectives

• Assess the current state of the local energy system
• Identify renewable energy potential
• Define financing mechanisms and build strategic partnerships
• Address policy and regulatory frameworks
• Develop transition scenarios for 100% RE supply by 2050

Key Outcomes

1. Assessment of Sosnytsia’s RE potential:

• ☀️ Solar energy: Global horizontal irradiation levels of 3.1–3.3 kWh/m²/day make PV installations viable year-round
• 💨 Wind energy: Average wind speeds of 7–8 m/s at 100 m support development of wind farms
• 🌿 Bioenergy: The community has strong potential for biogas and energy crop cultivation — 66% of land is agricultural
• 💧 Hydropower: The Desna River offers opportunities for small hydro installations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Investment & Funding

Implementation may be financed through:

• The local budget
• National energy efficiency programmes
• Donor and development funding
• Concessional loans and green financing
• Energy Performance Contracting (ESCO) models

3. Legal Framework

The Concept aligns with:

• Ukraine’s National Energy and Climate Plan
• Laws on Energy Efficiency, Alternative Energy Sources, and State Support for Investment Projects

4. Energy Transition Scenarios

Scenario 1: Moderate Path

• Maintains current energy demand
• Replaces fossil fuels with biomethane and bio-based district heating
  

Scenario 2: Ambitious Electrification

• Full-scale electrification of heating and transport
  
• Maximised local RE generation with minimal reliance on the national grid

Summary

Sosnytsia has developed a comprehensive roadmap to become 100% powered by renewables by 2050 — in response to the war’s impact and the urgent need for energy security. Grounded in the community’s natural resources and supported by national policy, the Concept presents a bold vision for post-war recovery and decentralized clean energy.

It marks the first step in creating a resilient, future-oriented local energy system, unlocking investment and serving as a model for other communities across Ukraine.

This project is part of “Renewables for a Resilient Ukraine”, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).