Status: 4/4/2023 9:00 p.m
On the second day of his trip to Ukraine, the Economics Minister visited, among other things, a hospital – which, thanks to German support, is heated with heat pumps. Energy supply should be a focus of reconstruction.
Robert Habeck will spend the second day of his visit to the Ukraine in Horenka, among other places. The small town near Kiev was attacked right at the beginning of the major Russian invasion. Thousands of people fled, hundreds died – and the hospital’s electricity was shut off.
The latter might not happen so quickly, clinic director Olena Juswak assured in an interview with the German Minister of Economic Affairs. The building, which is more than 50 years old, recently had heat pumps, a hybrid solar system and low electricity bills. It was difficult, says director Juswak, because during the renovation they had patients here.
“We heat completely with heat pumps”
“The project is going very well, we can also operate it in times of war and have energy that is otherwise quite expensive,” says the director. You would have your own gas heater here. But it hasn’t been used since December, “since we can heat completely with the heat pumps.”
Estimates vary, but rebuilding Ukraine will cost astronomical sums. That’s for sure. Clinic Director Juswak and Economics and Climate Minister Habeck agree that ecological and energy-saving criteria should play a role.
Energy system with German help
The energy system in the hospital in Horenka was installed for 60,000 euros – with German funds and financial support from Greenpeace, among other things. According to Habeck, the project is small but is of enormous importance.
Just by switching from gas to modern heat pumps, the hospital’s heating bill is up to 80 percent lower, explains Denys Tsutsajew from Greenpeace in the Ukraine. According to the environmental organization, international partners should not rely on old technologies when it comes to reconstruction, but rather pay attention to environmental and climate protection. This saves money and creates independence for Ukraine in terms of energy supply and energy security.
Habeck believes that there is a willingness on the Ukrainian side for this: “A broader positioning of the energy system – if Ukraine wants that – is also very much in our interest.” You have a lot of know-how, partner companies and also expertise on the ministry side. “We’d like to get together.”
Habeck also spoke to Denys Tsutsajew (right) from Greenpeace Ukraine regarding heat pumps.
Image: dpa
Ukraine might become a strong partner in Europe
During his visit, Habeck met Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal and Energy Minister Herman Halushenko, among others. With the latter he renewed the Ukrainian-German energy partnership. According to the Vice Chancellor, Ukraine might become a strong partner in Europe.
Halushenko thanks Habeck for the previous German support. Especially since the targeted Russian attacks on the energy system, they have been in constant contact: “We are stronger when we feel the support of our partners,” said Halushenko.
Habeck: War is not an abstract history
“It was impressive because many stories and many pictures got under your skin,” says Habeck regarding his visit. War is not an abstract story in the media, but something that destroys the reality of people in a very concrete way.
Germany will continue to support Ukraine financially, militarily and economically. Habeck hope that the country will win.
Robert Habeck wants an energy partnership in Ukraine
Andrea Beer, ARD Kiev, April 4, 2023 7:11 p.m