Zhytomyr advances urban gardening and energy innovation

Zhytomyr, one of the pilot cities of the U_CAN project, has reported significant progress on two fronts: strengthening local food resilience through urban gardening and laying the groundwork for renewable energy infrastructure.

Urban gardening pilot secures grant funding

In April 2026, the Municipal Institution 'City Development Agency' of Zhytomyr City Council has secured grant funding to renovate one of the city's greenhouses as part of a pilot project to develop urban gardening. Inspired by the experience of partner city Dresden, Zhytomyr has focused its efforts on supporting local businesses involved in food production. This initiative is set to strengthen the local community's resilience to food security challenges during wartime, while building a sustainable model for urban agriculture that could be replicated in other Ukrainian cities.

Floating solar power station moves into feasibility stage

In a parallel development, in May the city has completed land-use planning documentation for a designated plot to be used for a water-based facility. This milestone enables Zhytomyr to begin negotiations with a contractor on a feasibility study and design documentation for the construction of a floating solar power station. The step marks a necessary and crucial milestone toward the eventual construction of the facility, paving the way for the introduction of energy innovation in the community.

Together, these developments reflect Zhytomyr's broader commitment to building a more self-sufficient and climate-conscious city, even in the ongoing challenges of wartime. Read more about Zhytomyr and its pilot use case here - https://www.ucan-ukraine.eu/zhytomyr