On September 23, 2025, three solar power plants were officially commissioned in Chortkiv to strengthen the city’s water supply and wastewater systems operated by KP “Chortkiv Water Utility.” This initiative represents a significant milestone in advancing renewable energy and improving the energy security of critical infrastructure. Implemented with the support of Nefco and funding from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P), the project benefited from a €460,000 E5P grant, €54,960 in technical assistance from Sweden, and €33,846 in co-financing from the Chortkiv municipality. Egis in Ukraine served as the project’s technical advisor and consultant, providing expertise throughout all stages of implementation.
Solar Energy Becomes a Reality: Chortkiv Water Utility Switches to Renewable Sources.
Ukraine
The project implements three solar power plants to supply the Chortkiv water utility with renewable electricity, ensuring continuous water services, reducing energy costs, and supporting a greener, more resilient infrastructure.
Client/Financing
Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P)
Timeline
April 2024 - September 2025
Environmental benefit
By supplying around 20% of the water utility’s electricity needs with renewable solar energy, the project reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers CO₂ emissions by approximately 300 tons per year, and promotes a more sustainable and environmentally resilient energy system for Chortkiv.
Providing clean, decentralized solar power to strengthen Chortkiv’s water and energy resilience, cut CO₂ emissions, and lower costs during wartime.
340kW
Total capacity of three solar plants, covering ~20% of Chortkiv water utility’s electricity needs and ensuring uninterrupted service.
300tons/year
Expected CO₂ emissions reduction, supporting Ukraine’s green transition.
€70,000per year
Estimated city budget savings from lower electricity costs, boosting utility’s financial sustainability.
The challenge.
Ensuring Energy Resilience for Critical Infrastructure
Amid ongoing attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical services has become a pressing challenge. The Chortkiv water utility needed a solution to maintain continuous operation of pumping stations and treatment facilities for over 15,000 consumers, reduce dependence on centralized electricity sources, and increase energy resilience during wartime conditions.
Imagine.
Reliable Water Supply and Energy Independence
Solar energy emerged as a solution with the potential to provide a decentralized, reliable, and sustainable source of power. The project aimed to produce “green” electricity for the water utility, ensuring uninterrupted operation of its facilities while covering approximately 20% of electricity needs. This approach strengthens the city’s energy resilience, reduces CO₂ emissions, and supports Ukraine’s transition toward renewable energy.
Create.
Implementation: Project Development and Execution
Technical Scope of the Project Included:
- Construction of three solar power plants with a total capacity of 340 kW and installation of over 417.6 kWp of solar panels;
- Integration of an automated energy accounting system, video surveillance, and lightning protection;
- Optimization of pump and aerator operations for maximum efficiency;
- Careful selection of sites and connection points to ensure the efficiency and stability of the stations.
The Role of Egis in the Project
Egis acted as technical advisor and implementation consultant, supporting the project at every stage — from planning and tender procedures to technical supervision during construction and commissioning. Egis provided:
- Strengthening the institutional capacity of the project implementation team and water utility staff for effective project management;
- Support for local procedures and tender processes in line with donor requirements;
- Technical supervision, contract administration, and quality control of works;
- Recommendations on optimal solar plant locations, equipment operating schedules, and grid connection.
The collaboration between Egis, Nefco, and local authorities took place through regular meetings and approvals, ensuring the water utility’s needs were met and that the project complied with international standards.
Achieve.
Reliable, Sustainable, and Resilient Water Supply
The Chortkiv project demonstrates that renewable energy investments can be practical, economically beneficial, and resilient. Outcomes include:
- Reliable water supply for 15,000+ consumers, even under wartime conditions.
- Reduction of CO₂ emissions by ~300 tons/year through partial replacement of grid electricity.
- Estimated annual savings of €70,000, improving financial sustainability.
- Increased energy efficiency, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and optimized operational costs.
- Provision of a replicable model for other Ukrainian cities on building modern, energy-resilient infrastructure.
The project’s success was made possible through the joint efforts of Egis, Nefco, the E5P Fund, KP “Chortkiv Water Utility,” Chortkiv City Council, and NES Group. The coordinated installation of decentralized solar power plants demonstrates that such energy sources can operate successfully even in small communities, providing a solid foundation for sustainable development, strengthening critical infrastructure, and supporting Ukraine’s green transition and long-term energy independence.