Pilot City
Zhytomyr
Use Case
Floating Solar Power Plant
Urban Development Goals
The priorities and goals of the city have 6 key directions, which are fixed by the concept of the city's development,
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Efficient city: development of a competitive economy.
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Innovative city: developing human capital, infrastructure and governance through the introduction of new approaches and technologies.
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Active city: Creating an environment for self-realization and meaningful leisure.
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Comfortable city: modern infrastructure for residents, businessmen and guests.
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Green city: implementation of the principles of sustainable urban development and adaptation to climate change.
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An inclusive city: ensuring equal access opportunities for all residents, encouraging cooperation and responsible governance, providing quality health care and maintaining a high level of security.
Climate Neutrality Pilot Use Case
Challenge
Zhytomyr faces significant challenges in reducing carbon emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels, limited renewable energy use, and insufficient green spaces. The main problem we intend to solve is the generation of local energy from renewable sources to achieve climate neutrality. By developing a floating solar power plant and increasing green spaces through urban gardening, we aim to reduce the city's carbon footprint, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Goal
Generate renewable energy, increase green spaces, reduce carbon footprint, and improve air quality.
General Description of the Pilot Use Case
The high goal of the Zhytomyr community is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, aligning with European sustainability standards. Zhytomyr aspires to become a model of environmental responsibility by implementing innovative solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the quality of life for its residents. The development of renewable energy sources and the expansion of green spaces are key steps towards achieving this goal.
Measures and Initiatives Included
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Floating Solar Power Plant: Generating renewable energy locally to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions;
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Urban Gardening: Expanding green spaces using former plant nurseries to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and promote sustainable living;
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Education and Capacity Building: Training and knowledge-sharing to build local technical capacity and support climate-neutral practices.
Technologies and Innovations Involved in the Pilot Use Case
Our case focuses on two key innovative approaches to achieve climate neutrality: a floating solar power plant and nature-based solutions.
Floating Solar Power Plant: This approach involves installing solar panels on water surfaces, like reservoirs. It reduces land use, crucial for urban areas, and increases energy efficiency as water cools the panels, boosting productivity. It also helps reduce water evaporation, important in climate change mitigation.
Nature-Based Solutions: We expand urban gardening using former municipal plant nurseries, increasing green spaces, enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and lowering urban temperatures. These solutions restore ecosystems, improve the urban environment, and ensure resilience to climate change.
These innovations contribute to climate neutrality, ecological stability, and a better quality of life in Zhytomyr, demonstrating how technology and nature-based solutions can create sustainable urban systems.
Main Partners and Stakeholders
Zhytomyr City Council
City Development Agency
International organizations like GIZ
Local municipal enterprises
Community groups
NGOs
Local universities and schools
Long-term Results
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Climate Neutrality by 2050: Significantly reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy and sustainable practices.
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Improved Urban Environment: Enhanced air quality, increased green spaces, and restored ecosystems for better quality of life.
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Resilient Infrastructure: A city infrastructure that is adaptive to climate change and supports sustainable development.
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Community Engagement: An informed and active community that participates in and supports ongoing sustainability efforts.
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Economic Growth: Stimulating local economy through green jobs and investment in renewable energy and urban development projects.
Pilot Use Case Contribution to Climate Neutrality
Floating stations and urban gardens both support climate neutrality.
Both reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable urban environments.
Floating Stations:
Renewable Energy: Floating solar and wind stations cut reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
Land Conservation: They preserve terrestrial ecosystems by minimizing land use.
Heat Island Effect: Floating panels can reduce "heat island" effects on land.
Urban Gardens:
Reduced CO2 Emissions: Growing local produce cuts transportation emissions.
Air Quality: Plants absorb CO2 and pollutants, improving air quality.
Waste Management: Composting garden waste reduces landfill and methane emissions.
Rainwater Management: Gardens help manage stormwater, reducing flooding.
Microclimate: They lower urban temperatures and mitigate "heat island" effects.
Biodiversity: Gardens support diverse plant and animal life.