From 8 to 13 March 2026, another working meeting of the operator partnership with its Ukrainian partner companies took place at Stadtentwässerung Dresden (SEDD) in Dresden. The delegations from Nadvirna and Ternopil once again travelled to the banks of the Elbe—returning to a place where professional cooperation and a relationship built on trust have now become a matter of course. The week provided an opportunity for in-depth technical work, personal exchange, and joint reflection on key future issues in the water and wastewater sector.
The working week was characterised by a lively sense of collaboration: intensive discussions, joint on-site observations, and ample space for questions, ideas, and experiences from both countries. It was particularly valuable that several new members of SEDD staff contributed for the first time. With their perspectives and expertise, they broadened the programme and helped to make the collaboration even more diverse and dynamic.
The agenda combined theory, practice, and direct observation. Highlights included, among others:
- Demonstration of a flushing vehicle: participants were given a clear, practical insight into how a flushing vehicle operates, from the basic operating principle through to its specific application in network operations.
- Exchange on wastewater heat recovery: using current examples, the potential of this technology was explained and initial experiences were discussed, demonstrating how wastewater can be harnessed as a source of energy.
- Insights into plant structures and pumping stations: using two real sites as examples, it became clear how technical processes interlink and which challenges play a role in day-to-day operations.
- Guided tour of the Dresden wastewater treatment plant: the visit provided a comprehensive insight into the methods, processes, and the complex coordination of the individual treatment stages.
- Overview of the Dresden sewer network: a structured introduction highlighted the scale, distinctive features, and operational challenges of a large urban network, while also offering numerous starting points for future cooperation.
Another component of the meeting was the two-day simulation training at the Saxon Education Centre for Environmental Protection and Chemical Professions (Sächsischen Bildungsgesellschaft für Umweltschutz und Chemieberufe, SBG Dresden). The model-based exercises allowed participants to experience wastewater transport and treatment processes in a practical and interactive way. The insights and hands-on experience gained can support the Ukrainian colleagues in their ongoing work on site and contribute to the further development of their procedures and skills.
At the end of the week, an excursion to the Schönerlinde wastewater treatment plant in Berlin was conducted. The modern treatment processes employed there provided valuable insights into current industry developments. At the same time, the visit offered an opportunity for professional exchange with the co-partner Berliner Wasserbetriebe, further broadening the perspectives of the German–Ukrainian collaboration.
The working meeting clearly demonstrated the sustainable development of the partnership. The combination of practical learning, open exchange, and personal interaction strengthened both professional collaboration and mutual trust. The active involvement of all participants created a productive and appreciative atmosphere, making the meeting a complete success and providing a solid foundation for the next steps of the partnership.