District Energy News

Just hours after a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, district heating professionals and municipal energy planners gathered in Kyiv to discuss how to strengthen the resilience and energy security of Ukraine’s district heating systems. The conference, organized by DBDH together with Covenant of Mayors – East, highlighted both the urgency of the challenge and the determination to secure a reliable heat supply for Ukrainian communities.

A conference held under extraordinary circumstances

Today in Kyiv, DBDH, together with Covenant of Mayors – East, gathered district heating professionals and municipal energy planners from across Ukraine to discuss the energy security of district heating.

The conference took place just hours after a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine – a stark reminder of the realities Ukrainian communities continue to face. Despite these circumstances, participants came together in Kyiv, demonstrating remarkable resilience, professionalism, and commitment.

Focus on the 2025–2026 heating season and the road ahead

The discussions focused on the energy security of district heating systems, reflecting on the challenges of the 2025–2026 heating season and looking ahead to 2026.

A key message from the first panel was the importance of comprehensive resilience plans that combine immediate action with long-term solutions. These include the protection of critical infrastructure, distributed generation, and decentralized heat supply.

Cooperation is essential

The event underscored that strong cooperation among municipalities, the government, and international partners is essential to ensure reliable and sustainable district heating in Ukraine.

In the current situation, district heating is not only about heat supply. It is also about safeguarding communities, maintaining essential services, and strengthening local resilience under extremely difficult conditions.

Technical solutions for a critical situation

DBDH’s colleague Lesia Logvynenko moderated the technical panel, where Danfoss, Grundfos, Justsen, Ramboll, and Kamstrup presented solutions relevant to the current situation in Ukraine.

The presentations showed how technology, planning, and international cooperation can support more resilient district heating systems. From protecting infrastructure to improving operational flexibility and efficiency, the technical session highlighted practical solutions that can help Ukrainian communities strengthen heat supply security.

Part of the EIFO Green Accelerator in Ukraine

The initiative was organized as part of the ongoing EIFO Green Accelerator in Ukraine, which supports cooperation and concrete solutions for the green transition amid difficult conditions.

District heating as a cornerstone of resilient communities

District heating remains a cornerstone of resilient communities in Ukraine – today more than ever.