Ukraine Delegation Informed on Economy and Sustainability

As of 2025, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has suffered approximately 20 billion USD in damage, causing widespread power outages and insufficient heat supply – with the cities of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv alone accounting for over 630 million USD in losses.

To this end, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Autonomous Region of Bolzano in Italy have jointly organized an international study trip to support capacity building of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv on integrated urban energy planning focused on decentralized and renewable local energy and modern district heating systems.

From June 3 to 5, 2025, a high-ranking delegation from Ukraine has been visiting South Tyrol and exchanging ideas with local experts in the fields of energy efficiency, climate protection, and urban development to explore potential cooperation.

On Thursday, June 5, an intensive exchange took place in the courtyard of Palais Widmann with Governor Arno Kompatscher, experts from Eurac Research, representatives of the United Nations (UNECE and UNEP), and local companies. Topics discussed included autonomy, economic development, sustainable urban planning, and renewable energy supply.

Governor Kompatscher outlined the development of the region since World War II and emphasized during the discussion: "Supporting Ukraine in these challenging times is not only a moral duty for us but also an opportunity to work together towards a safer and more sustainable future. Within its means, South Tyrol can share experiences in regional autonomy, renewable energies, sustainable development, and innovation."

The Russian war of aggression has severely damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with damages now amounting to nearly 18 billion euros. Many regions are experiencing power outages and insufficient heat supply. "So far, the focus has mainly been on getting existing systems back up and running. But for a future-proof supply, Ukraine needs local, renewable, and sustainable energy solutions," reports Wolfram Sparber, head of the Institute for Renewable Energy at Eurac Research. "The delegation's visit was an opportunity for us to share our experience in integrated energy planning, renewable energy, and modern district heating – and to connect with South Tyrolean companies from the energy sector."