Dutch-Ukrainian Collaboration Launches Pre-Feasibility Study: Shallow Geothermal District Heating Takes Off in Starokostiantyniv, Ukraine – Powered by RVO & Embassy Support!

Ukraine's Push for Sustainable Heating: The Starokostiantyniv Shallow Geothermal District Heating Project

In the heart of Central Ukraine, the town of Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region is stepping into a promising future for clean, reliable heating. A new collaborative initiative, funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine, has officially launched. Titled "Shallow Geothermal District Heating in Ukraine," this pre-feasibility study and regulatory recommendations project aims to integrate innovative shallow geothermal technology into the town's district heating system.

This development comes at a critical time for Ukraine. The ongoing war has severely disrupted traditional energy supplies, making energy security and resilience top priorities. District heating, which serves a large portion of urban populations through centralized systems, remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. Transitioning to renewables like geothermal can reduce emissions, lower costs over time, and enhance independence from volatile imports.

What is Shallow Geothermal Technology?

Shallow geothermal systems use the stable temperatures found just below the Earth's surface (typically 10–200 meters deep) to extract or store heat. Unlike deep geothermal, which taps into hot rocks or aquifers far underground, shallow systems rely on closed-loop heat pumps. These circulate a fluid through pipes (often in boreholes or horizontal loops) to absorb ground heat in winter for heating or reject excess building heat in summer for cooling.

In district heating contexts, the technology can integrate with existing boiler houses. Heat pumps boost the low-grade ground heat to higher temperatures suitable for radiators or underfloor systems. A key variant mentioned in the project is BTES (Borehole Thermal Energy Storage), which stores seasonal heat underground for later use, improving efficiency in variable climates.

This approach is proven in countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark, where shallow geothermal supports large-scale district networks with minimal environmental footprint.

 Project Details and Consortium

The project focuses on Starokostiantyniv, a municipality with an existing district heating infrastructure that could benefit from hybridization—replacing or supplementing gas/coal boilers with geothermal heat pumps.

The consortium includes:

- DiXi Group LL — A Ukrainian energy think tank providing local expertise and policy insights.

- DTESS BV (or DTEss, as posted) — Handling project management, led by CEO Bas Godschalk, who announced the kickoff.

-IF Technology — Offering technical and geothermal specialist knowledge.

Commissioned by RVO under Dutch-Ukrainian cooperation, the initiative addresses both technical and non-technical barriers. A major hurdle is regulatory: excessive taxation on well drilling discourages adoption. The project will propose recommendations to ease these, paving the way for broader rollout.

The initial phase involves assessing technical and economic feasibility at an optimal boiler house site. Deliverables include:

- Engineering calculations

- System integration concepts

- Financial analysis

- Evaluations of emission reductions, environmental impact, and performance

These outputs will build an evidence base to attract further funding for full implementation.

Broader Vision: From Pilot to Nationwide Replication

After the pre-feasibility study (pilot phase), the focus shifts to scaling. Practical guidelines will help other Ukrainian municipalities and district heating companies evaluate and adopt shallow geothermal solutions.

This aligns with Ukraine's energy transition goals amid war recovery. District heating modernization is key, as outdated Soviet-era systems cause high losses and emissions. Initiatives like this support decarbonization, energy security, and resilience—especially vital when infrastructure faces threats.

The Dutch partnership brings proven expertise from a country advanced in geothermal district heating and sustainable energy. Such collaborations foster knowledge transfer and investment in Ukraine's green recovery.

Why This Matters for Ukraine's Future

Ukraine has geothermal potential, particularly shallow resources suitable for heat pumps nationwide. While deeper geothermal is explored in western regions like Transcarpathia, shallow systems offer quicker, lower-risk deployment in central and eastern areas.

Benefits include:

- Reduced emissions — Cutting reliance on fossil fuels for heating.

- Cost savings— Stable ground temperatures mean predictable, lower operating costs long-term.

- Energy security— Less vulnerability to supply disruptions.

- Local jobs — In drilling, installation, and maintenance.

As one post notes: "We look forward to contributing to Ukraine's sustainable heat transition and sharing progress in the months ahead."

With hashtags like #Geothermal, #SustainableEnergy, #EnergySecurity, #Ukraine, #RenewableEnergy, #EnergyTransition, #DutchUkrainianCooperation, #ShallowGeothermal, #BTES, #DistrictHeating, and #Starokostiantyniv, the announcement has sparked interest in sustainable circles.

This project exemplifies international solidarity and innovation in action. As Ukraine rebuilds, initiatives like shallow geothermal district heating in Starokostiantyniv offer a blueprint for a cleaner, more secure energy future.

Stay tuned for updates— the coming months could reveal exciting feasibility results and next steps toward implementation.

Source: LinkedIn