Ukraine Plans to Build Waste-to-Energy Thermal Power Plants

Ukraine is preparing to construct thermal power plants (TPPs) fueled by waste-derived RDF and CRF energy sources. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on traditional fuels while enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability, according to the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development.

The agency is currently selecting communities to host these facilities. Selection criteria include a comparable population size and the existence of waste recycling infrastructure, which would enable the creation of a standardized TPP design. These plants are intended to provide heat to a consistent portion of the local population.

Serhii Sukhomlyn, head of the State Agency for Restoration, revealed that two communities are already leading the way, as they are actively developing waste processing plants. “It is crucial for waste recycling to occur locally. Non-recyclable materials will be used for combustion to supply heat through the planned TPPs,” Sukhomlyn stated.

The development of these facilities is described as a complex, long-term project. While the precise locations of the pilot communities have not been disclosed, Sukhomlyn emphasized that the implementation of these TPPs represents “an investment in the future,” combining energy efficiency with environmental benefits.

International support has bolstered the initiative. Recently, Sukhomlyn met with Finnish Ambassador to Ukraine Tarja Fernández and Senior Specialist for Trade and Reconstruction Henri Riihimäki, who expressed their support for the project. Ambassador Fernández suggested organizing a study tour for Ukrainian community representatives to visit similar waste-to-energy plants in Finland.

Finnish companies have shown interest in contributing to the project, and the initiative has also gained backing from the British Embassy in Ukraine and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Earlier, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that coal reserves in storage have exceeded 3 million tons, marking one of the highest levels in the country’s history. Despite significant damage to coal generation caused by Russian attacks, he noted this as a historic achievement during a government session.