As reported by Ukrinform with a link on the U-LEAD site, it happened within the framework of the event "Sun, straw and energy willow: how communities improve energy security with U-LEAD support?».

“U-LEAD, in addition to a large educational component, offers communities local subsidies for the implementation of their ideas in various areas. Today, three communities present model successful practices, which may be used by others. I hope, that this event helped certain communities to make sure, that they are on the right track, and others – think about the use of modern renewable energy sources”, – said Deputy Director of the Program Olena Tomnyuk.

The project "Growing energy crops as a component of energy independence of communities" was implemented in Berezdivska, Krupetska and Hannopil communities of the Khmelnytskyi region in cooperation with the NGO "Khmelnytskyi Energy Cluster". The main goal – to provide communities with biofuel for their own needs. For this purpose, mother plantations of energy willow and poplar were created in three communities.

Territories were used, which are not suitable for agriculture. On three plots with a total area 6 ha were planted more than 100 thousands of seedlings of energy crops, which will become seedlings for future industrial plantations. Expected, that the transition to biomass will reduce the costs of communities for heating communal facilities by 30-50%.

Solar energy “delivered” in the Dubivska community from Transcarpathia. A 10 kW solar power plant was installed on the roof of the village council building, which saved the institution's expenses on energy resources 66 thousand hryvnias. Besides, as part of the project, a program for increasing energy independence was developed here 2027 year, introduced a system of energy management and energy monitoring. The project was implemented by the NGO "Ekosphere" and the Dubiv village council.

Despite the hostilities, ongoing, they learned to turn straw into heat in the Beryslav community in the Kherson region. A line for the production of fuel briquettes using local eco-raw materials was put into operation here (straw). The initiative is implemented by the NGO “Take and glory” together with the Berislav city military administration.

According to Olena Tikhonova, deputy head of the Berylslav MBA, the community survived the occupation, constantly under fire, there is a lack of gas supply in populated areas, and sometimes electricity. “We gratefully accepted the proposal for this project from the public organization. the only, what were you worried about?, this is where to install this setup, so that it is not damaged. Many thanks to the U-LEAD Program for the support”, – she noted.

The event took place on the basis of the regional office of "U-LEAD with Europe" in the Kherson region. Participants, and this is over 140 representatives of communities from all over Ukraine, received answers and recommendations from practitioners, exchanged contacts for further study of colleagues' experience and implementation of energy security projects in their territories.

Program for Ukraine on empowerment at the local level, accountability and development "U-LEAD with Europe" is jointly financed by the EU and its member states Germany, Poland, Sweden, by Denmark, Estonia and Slovenia to support Ukraine on its way to strengthening local self-government. U-LEAD promotes transparent, accountable and multi-level management in Ukraine, which responds to the needs of citizens and expands the opportunities of communities.

SOURCE: https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-regions/3758648-tri-gromadi-prezentuvali-uspisni-praktiki-vikoristanna-vidnovluvalnih-dzerel-energii-ulead.html#:~:text=Три громади презентували,розширює можливості громад.