Following the extensive damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, one of the key challenges facing the municipal sector has been ensuring reliable electricity and heat supply amid a shortage of centralised generation capacity.

One of KTS Engineering’s current projects involves the implementation of a distributed generation solution for a district heating facility with an installed electrical capacity of 60 MW and thermal capacity of 56 MW. The project is being implemented at a single municipal utility in Ukraine.

Today, it represents the largest cogeneration-based combined heat and power (CHP) project in Ukraine’s municipal sector.

Note: For security reasons and due to ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy and industrial infrastructure, the identity of the customer is not disclosed.

Task

The primary objective was to create a highly reliable generation system capable of ensuring stable electricity and heat supply for critical municipal infrastructure under conditions of limited centralised generation capacity.

Key requirements included:

• rapid deployment of new generating capacity
• high reliability of energy supply
• phased commissioning of generation assets
• flexible load dispatch capability
• reduced dependence on the centralised power system
• reliable operation of the district heating network

Solution

KTS Engineering, together with specialists from INNIO, developed a solution based on 15 INNIO Jenbacher cogeneration modules:

• 9 Jenbacher J624 gas engine units
• 6 Jenbacher J620 gas engine units

The project follows a modular capacity expansion approach, allowing generating units to be commissioned in phases.

This approach enables:

• flexible load management
• gradual ramp-up to full installed capacity
• mitigation of risks typically associated with centralised generation assets
• enhanced resilience of the energy infrastructure

As part of the project, a significant milestone was achieved for the Ukrainian energy market — the commissioning of the first Jenbacher cogeneration unit in Ukraine with a single-unit electrical output of 4.5 MW.

Technical Highlights

The facility is being developed as a large-scale distributed generation system designed for municipal infrastructure, where reliability and rapid integration into the power system are critical requirements.

Key technical features include:

• modular generation architecture
• combined production of electrical and thermal energy
• phased capacity deployment
• high operational flexibility
• optimisation of load management
• reduced dependence on centralised generation

Gas engine cogeneration technology provides an efficient solution for large-scale power generation without requiring rigid dependence on centralised energy infrastructure.

Results

The implementation of the project enables:

• reliable electricity and heat supply
• enhanced resilience of the district heating system
• rapid deployment of new generating capacity
• reduced burden on the centralised power grid
• increased flexibility in energy infrastructure management

The project demonstrates that modern distributed generation technologies are already capable of effectively delivering large-scale energy solutions within Ukraine’s new energy reality.

Solution Features

1. Large-Scale Modular Generation Architecture. The solution is based on 15 INNIO Jenbacher cogeneration modules with a total installed electrical capacity of 60 MW and thermal capacity of 56 MW. The modular design enables phased commissioning of generating units, reducing implementation timelines while providing a high degree of operational flexibility to match the changing requirements of the district heating system.

2. The Largest Cogeneration Project for District Heating in Ukraine. The facility represents the largest district heating cogeneration project in Ukraine based on gas engine technology. The solution provides simultaneous generation of electricity and heat directly at the point of consumption, increasing energy independence and enhancing the resilience of municipal infrastructure.

3. Ukraine’s First 4.5 MW Jenbacher Cogeneration Unit. As part of the project, the first Jenbacher gas engine cogeneration unit in Ukraine with a single-unit electrical output of 4.5 MW was successfully commissioned. This milestone demonstrates the viability of deploying high-capacity gas engine technologies in large-scale distributed generation and municipal energy infrastructure projects.

4. High Fuel Utilisation Efficiency. Through the cogeneration process, the system simultaneously produces electrical and thermal energy, achieving significantly higher fuel utilisation efficiency compared to conventional separate generation. This approach improves overall energy efficiency while reducing operating costs for the district heating network.

5. Operational Flexibility and Load Dispatch Capability. The modular architecture allows operators to rapidly adapt generation output to seasonal variations in heat demand and changing electricity consumption patterns. Phased operation of generating units ensures optimal equipment loading and maximises the overall efficiency of the energy centre.

6. Digital Monitoring and Lifecycle Service Support. All cogeneration modules are integrated into the INNIO myPlant remote monitoring platform, providing 24/7 supervision of operational parameters, performance analytics, and early detection of potential deviations.  Professional service support from KTS Engineering ensures high equipment availability, reliable operation, and minimisation of downtime risks throughout the entire lifecycle of the facility.