The Concept for Mena hromada’s transition to renewable energy by 2050
The Mena hromada has become one of the first in Ukraine to receive a comprehensive concept for transitioning to renewable energy sources by 2050. This document serves as a strategic foundation for the reconstraction and development of the hromada’s energy infrastructure, based on principles of energy independence, resilience, and sustainability.
The concept was developed by the RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Mena Municipal Hromada and with the support of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany (BMWK).
The document outlines key areas for modernizing the hromada’s energy system, taking into account local natural resources, the economic situation, and the region’s energy needs.
Overview
Despite a number of significant challenges – proximity to the border with an aggressor, attacks on the energy system, dependence on fossil fuels, and low energy efficiency – the Mena community recognizes that change is not just desirable, but essential. The vulnerability of the centralized energy system, high energy costs, and environmental impact have driven the community to seek a clear action plan.
This is why the Concept for the transition to renewable energy by 2050 was developed – a step-by-step guide to strengthening energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and building a more efficient and resilient energy system.
Objectives
- Assess the current state of the hromada’s energy system
- Identify the potential for renewable energy sources (RES)
- Determine financing mechanisms and partnerships
- Analyze political and regulatory aspects
- Develop scenarios for transitioning to 100% RES
Results
- Analisys of the current State of the Hromada’s Energy Sector
- The Mena hromada has suffered significant destruction during the war, with its energy infrastructure partially damaged;
- Main energy sources in the hromada’s consumption structure (2019):
Natural gas – 68% (primarily used by the residential sector)
Electricity – 15%
Liquefied gas – 4%
Heat energy – 3%
Biofuels – 3%
Coal – 2%
Petroleum products (gasoline and diesel) – 5%
- Total annual energy consumption: 140,287 MWh, the residential and municipal sector is the primary consumer;
- Buildings have low energy efficiency, with high heat losses due to poor thermal modernization.
2. Assessment of Renewable Energy Potential in Mena
☀️ Solar Energy: The average solar irradiation level (3.1–3.3 kW/m² or 982.0-1046.4 BTU/ft² per day) enables effective use of solar panels.
💨 Wind Energy: The average wind speed (7–8 m/s or 23-24 ft/s) makes wind projects feasible.
🌿 Bioenergy: The hromada has significant potential for biogas production and the cultivation of energy crops.
💧 Hydropower: The Mena River has potential for small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs).
3. Investment Plan for RES Development
Identified financing sources for project implementation, including international grants, state programs, and private investments.
4. Assessed regulatory barriers and administrative requirements for project implementation.
Aligned the concept with international climate goals and national energy strategies.
5. Proposed two transition scenarios – a moderate scenario and a high-electrification scenario, each with an evaluation of their benefits and challenges.
Defined clear targets for 2030 and 2050, ensuring a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels in the hromada.
Conclusion
The concept outlines a clear pathway for Mena’s transition to energy independence, considering the state of its energy system and RES potential. Successful implementation requires community engagement and awareness-raising efforts on energy efficiency. The measures introduced will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve residents’ quality of life, making Mena a model for sustainable energy transition in Ukraine
The project “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Ukraine” is being implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK).