The Chortkiv solar energy project marks a significant milestone as the first solar power initiative by Nefco to support critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Officially commissioned on 23 September 2025, the project installed photovoltaic power plants at three water and wastewater utility sites, ensuring uninterrupted municipal water services for residents. Amid ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, solar power offers a reliable and decentralized solution, contributing to energy resilience while lowering CO₂ emissions and operational costs for local utilities.
Funded through a combination of EUR 460,000 from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P), EUR 54,960 in technical assistance from Sweden, and EUR 33,846 in co-financing from the city of Chortkiv, the project delivers a total capacity of 340 kilowatts. It covers approximately 20% of the facilities’ electricity needs, providing stable power for critical municipal services and demonstrating the potential for sustainable, renewable energy solutions under challenging wartime conditions.
The project addresses Ukraine’s energy crisis by offering an efficient, rapid-to-deploy alternative to fuel-based electricity. Solar power is economical, low-maintenance, durable, and safer to operate than mechanical generators. These advantages make it an ideal solution for sustaining essential services such as water treatment, healthcare, and education, particularly during periods of grid instability and rising electricity costs.
Chortkiv, a historic town in Western Ukraine with around 30,000 residents, faced increased pressure on its infrastructure due to the arrival of more than 2,700 internally displaced persons since the Russian invasion in 2022. The solar installation at two water pumping stations and a wastewater treatment facility now ensures reliable municipal water supply, while a net billing scheme allows surplus electricity to be directed to the national grid, further increasing efficiency and energy independence.
Beyond operational stability, the project is expected to reduce approximately 300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and generate around EUR 70,000 in municipal savings. It strengthens public service resilience, supports the wellbeing of residents and displaced populations, and contributes to the long-term energy security of Chortkiv.
Serving as a demonstration project, Chortkiv highlights the potential for other Ukrainian municipalities to adopt solar solutions for critical infrastructure. By integrating renewable energy, the city has shown how water utilities and other essential services can modernize, reduce environmental impact, and maintain operations even under wartime conditions. The project sets an example for nationwide energy resilience, sustainability, and the broader adoption of decentralized solar power systems across Ukraine.
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