Kharkiv signed an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the amount of 35 million dollars, which includes a 25 million euro loan and a 10 million euro non-refundable grant. About this reported Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
According to him, these funds are extremely important, especially considering the threat of Russian shelling on the eve of the winter season.
“This kind of assistance is unprecedented in the cooperation of the EBRD with the communities of Ukraine, and it became possible only thanks to the long-term history of relations and the deep trust that the bank has in our city as a creditor“, Terekhov noted.
EBRD financing will help Kharkiv ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure, including heating, water and power systems, which will significantly reduce its vulnerability to enemy attacks and strengthen the city’s energy security.
This investment will also help support utility companies responsible for providing vital services to the residents of Kharkiv, as well as keep utility tariffs at an acceptable level.
As reported in the city council, the grant funds will go to support such communal enterprises as Kharkiv Metro, Trolleybus Depot No. 2, Saltiv Tram Depot and Kharkiv Heat Networks.
In addition, the installation of a mini CHP plant continues in Kharkiv. Recently, four cogeneration gas piston units with a total capacity of 6 MW were installed at one of the city’s energy facilities, which will provide heat to residents in the event of a power outage.
During his visit to Kharkiv, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal noted that negotiations are underway to install additional gas turbine units and called on other Ukrainian cities to follow this example in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply to critical infrastructure facilities. Shmyhal also added that additional UAH 2.5 billion was allocated to prepare the Kharkiv region for the heating season in June.
