UN4UkrainianCities Advances Urban Energy Resilience and Sustainability for Ukraine's Reconstruction
Credits: Group Foto Day 3 - Eurac research / Annelie Bortolotti
From 3 to 5 June 2025, a high-level Ukrainian delegation participated in an international study visit in Bolzano, Italy, aimed at advancing sustainable urban energy solutions for Ukraine’s post-war recovery. This initiative was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), through its UN4UkrainianCities initiative funded by BMZ and supported by GIZ; the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through its programme “Unlocking greener and more resilient energy in Ukrainian cities” supported by the Italian Development Cooperation (AICS); and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, with additional support from EURAC Research and other local partners.
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has sustained nearly 20 billion USD in damage due to ongoing conflict, leaving cities like Kharkiv and Mykolaiv with substantial economic losses and widespread energy supply disruptions. Recognizing the urgent need for resilient and renewable energy solutions, this study visit focused on decentralized energy generation, modern district heating systems, and integrated urban energy planning aligned with European sustainability standards.
Delegates from Ukraine’s national ministries and local governments - including Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and the Zakarpattia region - engaged with international experts from UNECE, UNEP, EURAC Research, and local industry leaders.
The participants explored practical case studies, including ultra-fast electric vehicle charging infrastructure, biomass district heating and power plants, fully refurbished social housing, innovative renewable energy initiatives, district heating powered by waste incineration, and customized ecological wooden houses designed for health and sustainability. Technical discussions emphasized the importance of incorporating disposal and recycling costs into renewable energy infrastructure planning, and strategies for modernizing district heating systems.
“Our cities urgently need sustainable, resilient, and decentralized energy systems to effectively recover from the ongoing crisis and build a robust future.”
This study visit underscores a collaborative international effort to rebuild Ukraine’s energy systems sustainably, ensuring energy security and resilience against future challenges.
Credits: Photo 1: NOI Session – Eurac Research / Günther Rautz; Photo 2: Visita Elmetti Rossi – Eurac Research / Günther Rautz; Photo 3: Group Foto Eurac – Eurac Research / Annelie Bortolotti