The Experience of Khmelnytskyi for Coal Communities
Khmelnytskyi serves as an example for other regional centers and smaller communities on how to build their own network of small-scale power generation. In the city, which has a population of nearly 300,000 residents, the municipal heating company is not only fully self-sufficient in terms of electricity but can even sell excess power.
Andriy Tabinskyy, the head of the Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine, visited one of the largest local boiler houses in Khmelnytskyi as part of a delegation of representatives from coal-dependent communities. The tour was led by Vasyl Novachok, the deputy mayor of Khmelnytskyi, who explained the capabilities and advantages of cogeneration plants. The boiler house staff demonstrated the launch and operation of the cogeneration plant and answered numerous questions from the visitors.
The first cogeneration unit with a capacity of 500 kW was installed in Khmelnytskyi 20 years ago. The city has since expanded the enterprise's equipment, allowing the cost of one gigacalorie of heat in Khmelnytskyi to remain among the lowest in Ukraine for many years. The city now has 15 cogeneration units. The total generation capacity is 7.5 MW, and after the installation of four more units, it will reach 8 MW. It's important to note that the units are highly decentralized, scattered across different sites, which is crucial in the context of the threat of enemy strikes on the energy system.
"For representatives of communities dependent on coal-fired power plants, many of which have been destroyed by shelling, it was extremely important to hear firsthand about Khmelnytskyi's successful positive experience. We had the opportunity to learn about the use of gas-fired cogeneration plants, their operation, maintenance, and repair. We also thoroughly discussed the economic aspects of the issue. And, of course, we received many valuable tips on implementing similar projects in coal-dependent communities in the near future," stated Andriy Tabinskyy.