Keywords: knowledge and technology transfer, sustainable reconstruction, bilateral cooperation, resilience
Subject and objectives of the project
The project is a contribution by the German water and wastewater industry to the reconstruction, capacity adjustments and modernization of the Ukrainian water and wastewater infrastructure affected and destroyed by the war in Ukraine. Important strategic prerequisites for the reconstruction and the necessary capacity expansion due to the considerable internal migration and simultaneous modernization towards a sustainable drinking water supply and wastewater treatment in the Ukrainian municipalities are to be largely created. At the same time, the focus is on sustainability, efficiency, security of supply, high hygiene standards and environmental and climate friendliness. The resilience of the Ukrainian water sector will be sustainably strengthened both technically and organizationally. Communication channels between the partners and with and between stakeholders in the Ukrainian and German water and wastewater sectors are to be established, restored and expanded. Comprehensive knowledge is to be determined and recorded: an analysis of the status quo, the short, medium and long-term needs of the Ukrainian water and wastewater industry in general as well as regionally specific for selected Vodokanal companies and cities, whose needs can be typified for Ukraine. Based on this, a general guideline for modernization and reconstruction will be developed as well as limited, selected, more concrete roadmaps for measures including the necessary financing and implementation plans for selected typifiable municipal Vodokanal companies and cities.
Innovation and exemplary nature of the project
Different local conditions, initiatives such as Mykolaiv Water Hub, which focus on innovations in the field of water management, Ukrainian universities and research institutions, a Ukrainian-wide trade association and, above all, the know-how of Ukrainian experts form a solid foundation. On the other hand, the integration of the comprehensive know-how of various sectors of GWP’s national and international network of member companies contributes to the success of the project. The regular exchange not only guarantees the targeted alignment of project measures to actual needs, but also the implementation of innovative, sustainable solutions. The practical relevance is also ensured by the small and medium-sized companies in the sector in the GWP network, which are characterized by their high innovative strength and can draw on extensive practical experience in the sustainable design of water and wastewater infrastructure, including in Ukraine. The project can also form the basis for a possible future partnership between chambers and associations. The cooperation models developed, which will form a new efficient ecosystem in the field of water infrastructure, will also be transferable to other regions with low water resources and can be implemented there.
Project implementation:
Associated partners:
Location: Ukraine
Funding period: April 2025 to April 2026
Project costs: Total volume: 172,162 euros, funding from DBU: 172,162 euros
DBU-AZ: 38482
Status: 10.03.2026