How can cities be made open to innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness? The answer is being pursued at the Research and Training Center for Decarbonization of Energy, created as part of the international UniCities project. Here, science, technology, and education come together to change the approach to energy consumption and sustainable development in Ukraine.

The Research and Training Center for Decarbonization of Energy was launched on July 4, 2024, with the UCC Hub platform and other centers of UniCities partner universities. These interdisciplinary and interdepartmental units are designed to contribute to the sustainable development of Ukrainian cities and communities by providing technological and organizational support for research and innovative projects in green transformation, climate neutrality, and energy efficiency.

The Center is actively developing and closely cooperating with the Energy Innovation Hub of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, expanding opportunities for students, scientists, and businesses. 

Thus, in February 2024, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) signed a memorandum of cooperation. It provided unique opportunities for the introduction of new technologies in the field of energy efficiency and the reconstruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure. 

It is worth noting that a team of researchers from the Center, led by Inna Bilous, received funding for a project to renovate historic buildings according to nZEB standards (buildings with almost zero energy consumption). The first such facility will be the 6th building of the KPI, where the Center is located. It should be noted that Inna Bilous is a leading researcher, PhD in Technical Sciences, and Associate Professor of the Department of Thermal and Alternative Energy, Institute of Heat and Power Engineering, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. Her scientific work is related to the research and development of 3D modelling of energy consumption and energy characteristics of public and residential buildings, buildings with almost zero energy consumption, energy consumption forecasting, and the combined use of RES for the energy supply of buildings.

The renewed cooperation of the Research and Training Center for Decarbonization of Energy and the Energy Innovation Hub of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute with BOSCH and Viessmann has also returned modernized laboratory stands to the educational process, and HERZ has provided demonstration equipment for research and training. The Center already has an intelligent low-temperature heating system that helps to use resources efficiently and reduce energy costs.

The Center’s team is convinced that involving students in initiatives gives them fundamental skills in assessing the energy efficiency of buildings and the opportunity to work with modern technologies.

The Center’s team also attaches great importance to the involvement of women in Ukraine’s energy-efficient recovery and to creating equal opportunities for training and career growth.

UniCities bridges scientific research and practical solutions for a sustainable future for cities. We inspire our Centers and Ukraine to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly!