Kyiv's Heating Season Readiness Under Scrutiny
Oleg Popenko, a housing and utilities expert, cast doubt on Kyiv's preparations for the heating season during a broadcast with political scientist Yuri Romanenko. He criticized the authorities' approach, arguing that instead of pursuing decentralization, they have been implementing piecemeal solutions. Popenko expressed uncertainty about whether the Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant (TPP) would be operational by the end of the year, adding that even if it starts, only its heating component would function.
Popenko highlighted that Kyiv has 11,000 multi-story buildings, but only 1,300 are organized as condominium associations (OSBB) or housing cooperatives (ZHBK). He noted that at best, boiler houses could supply heat to just 20 to 30 buildings, which fails to address the broader issue. According to the expert, 65 percent of the population lives in buildings that are not part of an OSBB.
Proposed Solutions to Improve the Situation
Since 2014, Popenko has advocated for installing small thermal power plants with a capacity of 10 to 20 megawatts, capable of heating 15 to 20 apartment buildings each. He recalled delegations visiting the Czech Republic and Slovakia to study effective energy supply models.
“The idea of placing a gas boiler next to every residential building is completely wrong,” Popenko stated.
The expert voiced concerns about the strategy of concentrating generation at large facilities. 'The issue isn't just whether heat will be supplied—it's that there are no guarantees against repeated missile strikes that could destroy everything again,' he said, stressing the need to decentralize heat sources in the most vulnerable districts, such as Darnytsia and Desnianskyi.
- 65% of the population resides in buildings not part of an OSBB.
- Kyiv has 11,000 multi-story buildings.
- Only 1,300 are OSBB or ZHBK.
Popenko also criticized the practice of aiding only OSBBs, calling it 'segregation.' 'Instead of zoning and covering 10 buildings at once with a single network, Kyiv chose to help only select OSBB associations,' he emphasized. The expert warned that this winter will be even harsher than the last, stating: 'I guarantee this winter will be worse than the previous one.'
In conclusion, Oleg Popenko urged the public to pray, arguing that the authorities' actions cannot be relied upon: 'All we can do is pray for a warm winter.'
The situation surrounding Kyiv's heating season preparations has alarmed experts, as the lack of a decentralized heating system could lead to severe problems for residents. Popenko stressed the importance of providing heat not just to OSBBs but also to ordinary apartment buildings, which make up the majority of the capital's housing stock. Given the ongoing threat of military attacks, such as repeated missile strikes, decentralizing heat supply is critical to ensuring the comfort and safety of Kyiv's residents.
As the city grapples with its heating challenges, understanding effective strategies for winter preparation becomes crucial. For insights into reliable heating solutions, an expert's guide offers valuable recommendations that could help residents navigate the upcoming season more effectively.