Personal launch of the solidarity operator partnership between enercity and three municipal companies from Mykolaiv

Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression, the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv has suffered massive destruction to its water infrastructure. The effects of the war have severely damaged the water supply in Mykolaiv. For several years, drinking water could only be provided via decentralised reverse osmosis plants, which the population had to supply themselves. A new waterworks has now been built and is currently being gradually commissioned.

Hanover and Mykolaiv have enjoyed a close solidarity partnership for more than three years. enercity AG is supporting the reconstruction of the water supply in Mykolaiv as part of a solidarity operator partnership with technical expertise and equipment – including the provision of pumps and components for decentralised water treatment plants.

Employees of the new solidarity operator partnership established in 2025 between enercity and the three municipal companies Mykolaivvodokanal, Dez Pilot and Mykolaivoblteploenergo jointly participated in the GWOPA Congress and the network meeting of the Utility Platform in Bonn. There, they were able to exchange ideas in person for the first time and benefit from the experiences of already established operator partnerships.

Following the congress, they travelled together to Hanover. At enercity, board member Eefje Pompen and representatives of the Ukrainian municipal companies signed a cooperation agreement. The aim of the partnership is to support the operators with urgently needed technical equipment and to provide them with technical assistance in operating drinking water facilities.

Eefje Pompen, Member of the Executive Board of enercity AG: ‘Ukraine continues to need Europe’s active support. As part of Hannover’s solidarity partnership, enercity is actively involved in rebuilding the water supply in Mykolaiv. Clean drinking water is essential for life – we are delighted to be able to use our expertise and equipment to help ensure that local people can once again rely on a safe supply.’ 

Hanover’s Mayor Belit Onay: “I am delighted that enercity is strengthening our solidarity partnership with Mykolaiv and is committed to ensuring a stable drinking water supply. A reliable water infrastructure is vital. This commitment represents our close ties with the people of Mykolaiv and shows how Hanover and its partners are providing concrete help for the people of Mykolaiv.”

In addition to signing the cooperation agreement, during their visit to enercity, the Ukrainian colleagues gained comprehensive insights into various water supply work processes. Among other things, the delegation visited a water laboratory, where an employee clearly explained the procedures and methods used in laboratory work.

In addition, the guests learned about enercity’s work management system. During discussions, it became apparent that the Ukrainian partners also have a well-functioning work management system, but one that makes less use of technical information systems. The visit programme was rounded off with tours of the Elze-Berkhof, Fuhrberg and Grasdorf waterworks, where participants gained further insights into the technical infrastructure, operational processes and how a reliable water supply is ensured.