EU, UNDP and partners deliver gas-piston cogeneration units to support Kharkiv’s critical energy needs

The city of Kharkiv has received six gas-piston cogeneration units as part of the Green Energy Recovery Programme, funded by the European Union, Norway and Sweden, and implemented the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The six cogeneration units, along with additional units expected, will enhance Kharkiv’s reliable access to critical services such as water supply, heating, and wastewater management for approximately 800,000 residents and 47 hospitals in the city.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 60% of Ukraine’s energy generation facilities have been damaged or occupied, according to UNDP estimates. Kharkiv, one of the hardest-hit cities, faces significant challenges in restoring its energy infrastructure. As of November 2024, war-related damage in Kharkiv includes the destruction of more than 10,000 buildings and the city`s electricity supply is currently operating at only 30% of its pre-war levels.

“Unfortunately, Kharkiv lacks its own power generation, which has led to prolonged outages, sometimes lasting several days,” Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv Dmytro Isaev said. “This is why the provided equipment is crucial for establishing a decentralised energy system, an ‘energy island’, to reduce our dependency on other regions.”

“The delivery of this equipment to Kharkiv demonstrates the EU’s support to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure throughout this cold season,” said Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

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Press release