The Swedish development agency Sida has commissioned Avfall Sverige and SALAR International to implement the multi-year WM4U programme, which will support reforms of Ukraine’s municipal waste system. Within the framework of the programme, a special component on energy recovery from waste, Energy-from-Waste, is now being planned, at the request of the Ukrainian Ministry for Development of Municipalities and Territories.
“To enable this initiative, a consultant has been procured to carry out a sector analysis of Energy-from-Waste in Ukraine. COWI was chosen. The assignment aims to provide a comprehensive basis for how energy recovery from waste can be developed in line with the EU’s regulatory framework and climate goals, and integrated into both the waste and energy systems,” says Andrik Mols, Technical Programme Manager at WM4U.
The analysis will cover regulatory framework and governance, technical solutions such as incineration, RDF and biogas, market conditions, economic and financial aspects, and environmental and climate impact. Risks and social dimensions will also be highlighted.
Particular emphasis shall be placed on how different waste fractions can be used for energy recovery, how these can replace fossil fuels and how investments can be financed. The analysis shall also contain proposals for possible next steps for how Energy-from-Waste can be further developed within the programme.
“Experiences from countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Germany demonstrate how Energy-from-Waste can contribute to reducing landfill dependence while producing useful energy (electricity and heat) for cities. For Ukraine, these experiences can be particularly relevant as the country continues its path towards alignment with European Union environmental legislation. The development of modern waste infrastructure, including EfW facilities, can support this transition,” summarizes João Santos, a Senior Project Manager at COWI.
The assignment is planned to start in March 2026 and will run for four months from contract signing. COWI shall deliver an initial report with a work plan after one month, a draft version of the sector analysis after three months and a final report, including a summary presentation, no later than four months after contract signing. Deliveries shall be made in English and Ukrainian.
Swedish–Ukrainian WM4U Programme aims to support the development of modern, systemic, and environmentally responsible waste management solutions at local, regional and national levels. The program is funded by the Government of Sweden through Sida and led by Avfall Sverige and SALAR International.