The programme focused on the Dresden-Kaditz sewage treatment plant, one of the largest and most technically advanced in Saxony. There, the guests gained valuable knowledge about how the plants work, particularly about biological treatment processes, sludge handling and the use of biogas. The Ukrainian chief engineer from Nadvirnavodokanal was particularly impressed and took the opportunity to visit the sewage treatment plant’s digestion towers – a model that is set to play an important role in the expansion of a modern sewage treatment plant in his home town of Nadvirna after the war.
Another focus was the construction site of the North Industrial Collector in Hellerau. Specialised civil engineer Frank Schönstädt explained the progress of the approximately ten-kilometre-long main canal, which primarily collects wastewater from microelectronics companies and is scheduled for completion by summer 2026. The Ukrainian specialists were able to observe first-hand how complex civil engineering works are carried out in Germany.
Once again, the exchange between the partners on personnel planning and recruiting young talent was a key topic. The delegation showed great interest in dual training, structured further training measures and strategies for long-term personnel development. This expertise is to be passed on to Ukrainian companies in order to secure the water and wastewater infrastructure there in the long term.
Other items on the agenda during the visit included:
- Technical discussions on laboratory processes and the monitoring of industrial and commercial wastewater,
- A visit to the sewage treatment plant in the Saxon town of Zittau together with specialists from SOWAG mbH.
The working visit underscored the practical relevance and future orientation of the German-Ukrainian operator partnership. It combines technical projects, training and personnel development and promotes personal networking among specialists. This close exchange allows experience and knowledge to be applied directly – both for the further development of wastewater treatment plants in Ukraine and for securing operational know-how on site.
The visit demonstrated how technical cooperation leads to trusting partnerships and lasting friendships across national borders.
More in the article in the Sächsische Zeitung (in German): Ukrainian engineers on a knowledge mission: What they experience at the Dresden sewage treatment plant