Zviahel: Energy Innovation for Resilience

Zviahel, a medium-sized municipality in Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine, has positioned itself at the forefront of local energy transformation. Despite war-related disruption, the city has adopted a systemic approach: replacing outdated heating infrastructure, deploying renewable energy solutions, investing in resilience, and engaging citizens in decision-making. 

Since 2021, Zviahel has become a signatory of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and between 2022 and 2025, the city secured over €4 million in international aid, modernized 85 percent of its district heating networks, and involved 1,387 residents in shaping its Development Strategy 2030.

In 2024, it became the first Ukrainian city to host a Citizens’ Assembly. Today, Zviahel is positioning itself as an educational and creative hub through innovation centers and STEM labs, while aiming by 2030 to expand renewable energy, develop sustainable mobility, and build a modern waste management system as part of its path to climate neutrality by 2050.

Zviahel has adopted a systemic, phased, and multi-actor implementation approach:

1. Institutional set-up:
   • Introduced an energy management system in 2021.
   • Created a dedicated energy manager position within the Department for Civic Initiatives and Energy Efficiency.
   • Appointed responsible energy coordinators in each municipal budgetary institution.
2. Infrastructure modernization:
   • Replaced 85% of district heating networks, tackling one of the city’s largest energy loss sources.
   • Renovated schools (e.g., Lyceum №4) with energy efficiency upgrades.
   • Installed heat pump and individual heating unit in “Delfin” preschool.
3. Renewable energy deployment:
   • Solar power stations at hospital and preschool, supported by Ecoaction and Ecoclub.
   • Procurement of generators and a cogeneration unit under USAID’s Energy Security Project.
4. Resilience and social measures:
   • Conversion of two non-residential buildings into 54 smart apartments for IDPs, financed by NEFCO and Humedica.
   • Equipping of shelters in schools and preschools, ensuring safe learning environments.
5. Citizen engagement & governance:
   • Held Ukraine’s first Citizens’ Assembly at municipal level.
   • Developed inclusive Development Strategy 2030, engaging 1,387 residents.
   • Established STEM spaces and innovation hubs to build a culture of sustainability.
6. Strategic planning for the future:
   • Defined clear milestones to 2030, 2040, 2050 (e.g., expansion of renewables, solid waste management, climate-neutral transport, eventual fossil fuel phase-out).

Zviahel’s success is rooted in broad alliances:

• International donors & agencies: USAID, GIZ, UNICEF, NEFCO, UNDP, Humedica, Council of Europe
• Civil society: Ecoaction, Ecoclub, Rokada Foundation, Danish Refugee Council
• Networks: Covenant of Mayors, Association “Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine,” OGP Local
• Partner cities: Łomża, Piaseczno, Bełchatów, Opoczno (Poland); Khashuri (Georgia); Suomussalmi (Finland); Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Sindelfingen (Germany); Riga Metropolis (Latvia)

Zviahel makes citizen engagement central to energy transition:

• Citizens’ Assembly: first in Ukraine
• Participatory activities: surveys, interviews, strategic sessions (1,387 participants)
• Public campaigns: awareness on renewables and energy saving
• Youth engagement: STEM labs and creative hubs

The energy transformation relies on donor-driven funding and local commitment:

• €4 million (2022–2025) in international grants and technical aid
• Key funders: USAID, GIZ, UNICEF, NEFCO, Ecoaction, Ecoclub, Humedica, embassies of Japan, Norway, Sweden
• Additional resources: project management training, advisory services under GIZ ReWarm project
• Co-funding from municipal budget for smaller projects.

Zviahel has already delivered visible results:

• Heating losses reduced significantly across 85% of modernized networks
• Solar installations provide clean energy for health and education facilities
• Improved living standards through new IDP housing (54 units)
• Institutionalized participatory planning, ensuring long-term ownership of strategies
• Broadened resilience capacity, equipping shelters and launching creative hubs

Progress has been notable, but challenges persist:

• Funding gaps for scaling renewables and solid waste management
• Shortage of skilled professionals in thermal modernization and renewables
• State tariff policies discourage investors and undermine renewable expansion
• Youth migration continues to weaken civic engagement capacity
• Low initiative among apartment residents hampers collective building retrofits

Zviahel demonstrates that a medium-sized, war-affected city can lead an ambitious energy transformation by combining donor support, strong municipal management, and participatory governance. The model of appointing dedicated energy managers, institutionalizing energy coordinators in each public building, and embedding public participation (Citizens’ Assembly, workshops) is transferable to other municipalities across Ukraine and beyond. Cities can adapt Zviahel’s approach to mobilize donor funding, deliver quick wins in heating and renewables, and build long-term strategic roadmaps.

Zviahel proves that resilience and innovation can thrive under adversity. With €4 million mobilized, 85% of heating systems modernized, and renewable pilots installed, the city has achieved measurable impacts within three years. Its integrated approach, blending infrastructure upgrades, citizen engagement, and international cooperation, is setting the groundwork for climate neutrality by 2050. Scaling up renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and waste management will be the next frontier. Zviahel’s journey highlights that even in contexts of conflict, local governments can build the foundations for a greener, more resilient future.

• CoM East study visit to Zviahel
• Zviahel Territorial Community information
• Zviahel Leads by Example: Ukrainian Municipalities Explore Local Energy Solutions

Department for Civic Initiatives and Energy Efficiency
Zviahel City Council, Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine