On the second learning tour organized by Ecoclubrivne, 25 representatives from local self-government bodies visited solar power plants and heat pumps in the Rivne and Zhytomyr regions. The tour was aimed at sharing experiences and spreading practical knowledge about implementing sustainable energy solutions in communities.
Day 1: Zviahel, Zhytomyr region. Participants visited the Child Development Center ‘Delfin’, which has a 50 kW heat pump installed to heat the swimming pool. Thanks to this equipment, children can continue swimming even after the heating season ends. The pool has become accessible for all preschoolers in the community. Details about the project. This heat pump partially receives its energy from the electricity generated by the solar power station located on the territory of the kindergarten, significantly lowering the cost of thermal energy.
Participants also visited a hostel for internally displaced persons, where a solar power plant with an energy storage system operates on the roof. Thanks to the power station, residents of the hostel pay significantly less for energy resources.
Day 2: Kostopil, Rivne region. On the next day, participants visited a local hospital where a 16 kW heat pump provides 70% of the hot water needs. The community has already saved over 200,000 hryvnias in six months—funds that can be directed to other needs of the medical facility. The payback period for the project, including the cost of restoring the hot water supply system, is less than four years. This year, the community plans to install a solar power station and another heat pump. Details about the project.
Day 3: Rivne. The final day was dedicated to learning about the experience of Rivne’s solar power station, which has already saved over 230,000 hryvnias in electricity costs for the hospital. Another example is a solar power station for dentistry, which covers up to 40% of the electricity needs of the facility in summer. To address the demand for hot water, a 50 kW heat pump was installed at the municipal clinic.
Feedback from participants about the training:
“Sharing experiences is extremely important as it allows us to hear about typical challenges directly from colleagues in other communities. Moreover, such learning tours promote the establishment of new partnerships,” said Alexander Bykov, Deputy Mayor of Korukivka.
“It was valuable to gain new knowledge and understanding of how to implement renewable energy projects in our community. This is a colossal experience and a lot of new information I didn’t know before,” said Anna Vartsabyuk, Deputy Head of the Kosmatska Territorial Community.
“After participating in the learning tour, I am convinced once again that practical experience is crucial: not only hearing but also seeing firsthand how energy-efficient solutions are already being successfully implemented in Ukrainian communities today. Such visits are inspiring, providing clear insight into technical solutions, economic benefits, and, importantly, engaging with colleagues who have already gone through this path. The exchange of experience—both successful cases and challenges that have been avoided or overcome—was particularly valuable. Throughout the tour, I constantly heard comments and discussions: ‘Can we also install a solar power station or a heat pump in our community?’ This is the best indicator of how effective such events are,” said Victoria Mykhailova, Chief Specialist of the Department for Environmental Protection, Energy Efficiency and Climate Policy of the Department of Finance, Economics, and Investments of Sumy City Council.
We invite you to subscribe to Eco Club’s Energy and Climate Digest for communities, where we inform about opportunities and contests in the field of energy and climate: https://forms.sendpulse.com/24b01151fc/
Phone: +38 (067) 363-62-26
E-mail: office@ecoclubrivne.org
If you have any inquiries or complaints: feedback@ecoclubrivne.org
Details read here: Ecoclubrivne