Time is working against Kyiv: what needs to be done to keep homes warm in winter
9 February 19:36
After the destruction of TPP-4, Kyiv faced one of the most difficult energy challenges since the start of the full-scale war. The challenge is to provide heat to more than a thousand apartment buildings before the start of the next heating season, with limited time, funds, and human resources.
The public debate focuses on the decentralization of heat supply and the development of cogeneration (the simultaneous production of heat and electricity). At the same time, there are calls not to limit oneself to high-tech solutions.
In a public post, former head of Ukraine’s gas transmission system operator Serhiy Makogon proposes a hybrid model: combining cogeneration plants with the mass installation of modular neighborhood boiler rooms, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
What is the essence of the proposal?
According to this logic, cogeneration should provide critical infrastructure — primarily power supply for pumps and key facilities. Instead, it is proposed to quickly cover the bulk of residential buildings with medium-capacity (6–10 MW) container gas boiler rooms.
According to the author, these approaches do not contradict each other, but solve different problems within the same energy system.
The time factor
One of the key arguments is the time frame for implementation. There are queues on the global market for cogeneration plants: equipment manufacturing can take 6–9 months.
At the same time, gas water boilers are mass-produced, often available or available for rent. Modular boiler rooms can be installed within weeks, while waiting for more complex equipment.
Cost and budget constraints
Another argument is economics. According to estimates, the cost of 1 MW of cogenerator thermal power is several times higher than the cost of a modern gas boiler with an efficiency of over 90%.
The author argues that a network of several dozen modular boiler rooms could cost the city and donors tens of millions of dollars, which seems more realistic than a large-scale and long-term repair of the destroyed CHP plant.
The possibility of renting mobile boiler rooms is mentioned separately as a temporary solution for one heating season.
Technical simplicity and stability
Makogon compares cogeneration plants to a “complex airplane” and boilers to a “reliable tractor.” Boiler rooms are easier to maintain, do not require complex automation or special foundations, which is critical in conditions of staff shortages.
In addition, a decentralized network of dozens of small boiler rooms is considered more resistant to attacks: the failure of one unit does not paralyze the entire district heating system.
Ecology and the urban environment
Unlike cogeneration engines, container boiler rooms operate almost silently and can be located near residential buildings. This reduces heat loss and simplifies connection to networks.
According to the author, it is precisely this model — with hundreds of small boiler rooms — that has allowed the right bank of Kyiv to maintain a more stable heat supply.
The key message is that there is almost no time to think. Even if the city chooses a combined model, site preparation and equipment procurement must begin now in order to be ready by next winter.
