Zhytomyr's Waste Could Heat a Third of the City, But Power Plant Project Stalled

The Potential for Waste-to-Energy in Zhytomyr

According to ХВИЛЯ: Zhytomyr has a significant opportunity to generate energy from its waste. Yevhen Barakh, owner of the city's waste processing plant, reports that his facility produces a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) capable of providing heat for at least 30% of Zhytomyr's residents. However, the project to build a combined heat and power plant (CHPP) using this alternative fuel is currently on hold. This type of waste-to-energy conversion is common in many European nations, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

Barakh explained that his plant produces RDF from waste, which is currently supplied to cement factories. According to his calculations, the volumes of fuel produced are sufficient to meet the needs of a large portion of the city's population. The estimated cost for constructing a CHPP to utilize this fuel is between 28 and 32 million euros, with plans to use equipment manufactured in Germany or Austria.

Challenges Facing the Project

The implementation of this joint project with the city has stalled primarily due to the ongoing war, which has forced significant adjustments to plans. Barakh emphasized that the idea of collaborating with the city to build the CHPP was viable, but the conflict has impacted its execution. He also noted that using this alternative fuel could lower energy costs, which would positively affect utility tariffs for residents.

In Barakh's view, many cities in Scandinavian countries already utilize such alternative fuel sources, moving away from traditional ones like coal and gas.

Thus, while the energy potential of Zhytomyr's waste remains high, realizing it currently requires solving a series of complex issues, particularly those related to the war.

The stalled construction of the RDF-fueled CHPP in Zhytomyr illustrates the broader challenges facing alternative energy projects in Ukraine during wartime. Although the idea has the potential to boost energy independence and reduce costs for the population, implementing such initiatives requires stability and security. Drawing on the experience of other countries, it remains crucial to find pathways for deploying innovative energy solutions, even under difficult conditions.