Pathways for decarbonization of the buildings sector in Ukraine

Journal Article · Mon May 05 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Energy and Climate Change

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egycc.2025.100195· OSTI ID:2566045

Diachuk, Oleksandr ^[1]; Kholod, Nazar ^[2]; Podolets, Roman ^[1]; Graham, Neal ^[2]; Semeniuk, Andrii ^[1]; Evans, Meredydd ^[2]; Westphal, Michael I. ^[2]; Stelmach, Tanner ^[2]; Hoesly, Rachel ^[2]; Trypolska, Galyna ^[1]; Zagoruichyk, Anastasiia ^[2]

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1. National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU), Kiev (Ukraine)
2. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), College Park, MD (United States). Joint Global Change Research Institute

The paper focuses on Ukraine’s intention to achieve a two-thirds reduction in buildings’ energy consumption for heating and cooling by 2050, concurrently aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions and heightened energy security. Here, the study examines the outcomes of retrofitting existing residential, commercial, and public buildings with highly efficient materials, improving construction standards, and transitioning to advanced heating systems. However, Russia’s invasion in 2022 inflicted substantial damage, prompting a shift from retrofit and decarbonization to reconstruction. The Ukrainian government’s Reconstruction Plan emphasizes clean, sustainable, and resilient energy systems. The study employs energy system and integrated assessment models (TIMES-Ukraine and GCAM-Ukraine) to explore scenarios taking into consideration the war, reconstruction, and a net zero CO₂ pathway. Using two models allowed the inter-model comparison. The analysis addresses vital questions on energy resiliency measures and the compounding effects of decarbonization. Findings indicate that Ukraine’s energy goals can be met through strategic retrofitting and economy-wide decarbonization, emphasizing the importance of low-carbon alternatives like district heating with renewable sources. Electrification with renewables and fuel-switching emerges as crucial for achieving building decarbonization. The study offers valuable insights into navigating energy challenges amidst the war and outlines a pathway for Ukraine’s sustainable energy future.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 2566045
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA--196145
• Journal Information: Energy and Climate Change, Journal Name: Energy and Climate Change Vol. 6; ISSN 2666-2787
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
Buildings
Decarbonization
District Heating
Energy Efficiency
GCAM-Ukraine
TIMES-Ukraine
Ukraine