Sweco brings green expertise to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts
Published on: November 12, 2024
A delegation from Sweco will travel to Warsaw in mid-November to take part in the Rebuild Ukraine international exhibition and conference. The conference is a platform for recovery projects, materials, technologies, equipment and investments required to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy with an emphasis on infrastructure, industry, energy and housing.
With a portfolio that encompasses more than 70 projects, Sweco has continuously performed engineering assignments in the energy, industry, water and wastewater sectors in Ukraine over the past 30 years. This work spans district heating, building energy efficiency, residential housing and wastewater treatment, among other areas.
Over the years, Sweco has developed a strong track record of successful partnerships with bilateral and multilateral donors and development banks in Ukraine, alongside a well-established network of local partners nationwide.
Continue reading to learn more about some of Sweco’s recent projects in the country.
“At Sweco, we are proud and grateful to support the rebuilding efforts in Ukraine across such vital areas as energy, water, construction, and environmental solutions. This work also presents an important opportunity to build sustainably, contributing to Ukraine’s green transition and helping create a resilient, future-ready infrastructure,” says Martina Söderström, President of Sweco International.
Partnering for long-term industrial development
Sweco Finland has received government support from Finnpartnership to lead the sustainable reconstruction of industrial parks in Ukraine in alignment with the green transition. The project aims to accelerate Ukraine’s post-conflict economic recovery in line with EU green transition goals. Sweco has partnered with the Economy of Trust Ukraine Inc. to identify promising industrial areas, with a vision to sustainably develop more than 100 parks over the next decade. This initiative leverages Sweco’s expertise in digital design, circular economy practices and resource efficiency.
Key phases include partner identification, feasibility studies and pilot project, with operations beginning in 2024.
Finnpartnership’s support will fuel early stages, aiming for scalable development across multiple zones. Priorities include mitigating risks related to war and corruption and fostering sustainable job creation in line with social and environmental standards, emphasising resilience and economic sustainability for Ukraine’s industrial future.
Energy efficiency in Rivne
Sweco’s energy initiatives in Ukraine include a critical project in Rivne, started in 2019 where it developed a Priority Investment Plan (PIP) for energy upgrades in public buildings and street lighting. Supported by the Nordic Green Bank (NEFCO) and the Norway-Ukraine Energy Efficiency Initiative (NUEE), Sweco has worked to enhance the energy efficiency of schools, hospitals and municipal lighting systems, addressing rising energy costs and service delivery needs. Although the conflict temporarily paused the project, efforts resumed in 2022 emphasising Rivne’s ability to improve its infrastructure and support the local population through more efficient energy solutions.
Housing for internally displaced persons
As the war displaced millions across Ukraine, Sweco partnered with NEFCO and the EU in 2023 to oversee the construction of housing in six cities in western Ukraine, including Chernivtsi, Dubno and Lviv. This project not only provides shelter for those forced to relocate but also ensures sustainable living conditions by integrating green technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps and water-saving equipment. Designed to meet European environmental standards, this initiative reflects Sweco’s commitment to sustainable housing solutions and its focus on enhancing long-term resilience in Ukrainian communities.
Securing water supply and treatment
In Kremenchuk, Sweco is leading an initiative financed by Swedfund, the Swedish state’s development finance institution, to improve water quality for the city’s 220,000 residents.. Sweco’s team, consisting of urban water engineers, hydrologists and environmental experts, is developing a sustainable water supply system with a 25-year forecast on resources. The project, which includes advanced purification, quality monitoring and process automation, commenced in November 2023 and aims to fast-track the modernisation of Kremenchuk’s drinking water infrastructure, fostering a more resilient, energy-efficient water system.
Additionally, Sweco is executing two water management projects in Mykolaiv and Odesa regions. These projects, also funded by Swedfund, address both drinking water and wastewater treatment. In Kobleve, efforts focus on enhancing water quality and wastewater processing. Meanwhile, in Dobroslav, Sweco is working on establishing a new wastewater treatment system to meet rigorous environmental standards. By incorporating energy-efficient and emissions-controlled solutions, these projects ensure improved municipal services, particularly benefiting internally displaced residents. The projects began in mid-2024 and are set for completion in early 2025.
