The city of Rivne has successfully completed an energy modernization project aimed at reducing energy consumption, lowering CO₂ emissions, and improving the efficiency of the community budget. The project was coordinated by the Department of Strategic Development and Investments.
As part of the project, five preschools underwent comprehensive thermal modernization, the street lighting systemwas upgraded on 27 main streets and 118 secondary streets and courtyard areas, and solar photovoltaic stations with backup batteries were installed on the roofs of the surgical and therapeutic departments of the Central City Hospitalof Rivne City Council.
One of the modernized facilities, Preschool №57, was visited by a Norwegian delegation led by Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Norway to Ukraine. During the visit, the delegation reviewed the results of the building’s thermal modernization, including the installation of an individual heat point, a heat pump, and solar panels.
The delegation also visited the Rivne Community Energy Efficiency Center, where the city presented a comprehensive approach to implementing energy efficiency solutions.
“Energy efficiency is one of the fastest ways to strengthen energy security in the short term, as well as an important step toward building a sustainable energy system in the future. This project, implemented with support from NEFCO, not only reduces the current load on the energy system but also creates long-term benefits for Ukraine,” said Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen.
The total grant funding and technical assistance from the Norwegian-Ukrainian Energy Efficiency Fund (NUEE) for the project amounted to approximately €5 million, with the city of Rivne providing co-financing of about €445,000. The project was implemented under the management of the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO).
“This project demonstrates that strategic planning and international partnership with NEFCO deliver real results in energy efficiency. Key urban infrastructure in Rivne has been modernized, long-term budget savings and reduced energy consumption have been achieved. This is an example of effective investments creating an energy-resilient and comfortable urban environment,” said Viktor Shakyrzian, Secretary of Rivne City Council.
✅ The implemented measures are already showing significant savings. Despite a 14.8% increase in the heat energy tariff in 2025, the expected annual energy savings in the modernized preschools is around 65%.
✅ As part of the street lighting modernization, 4,585 outdated sodium lamps were replaced with modern LED lights, improving safety and reducing electricity consumption by 69%.
✅ In addition, the solar power plants on the city hospital buildings provide up to 9.6% of the monthly electricity demand during the autumn-winter period. From September to November 2025, the savings amounted to UAH 180,400.
The project serves as an example of successful cooperation among all stakeholders and confirms that investments in energy efficiency are an effective tool for sustainable community development and strengthening Ukraine’s energy independence.
Nefco in Ukraine – Nefco, the Nordic Green Bank
Julia Shevchuk
Rivne City Council – Department of Economic Development of Rivne City Council