Energy workers of the DTEK Odesa Grids installed 25 safe stork nests in 2024

Protection of stork nests is carried out within the framework of the environmental and educational initiative #EnergyWings, directed at preservation of the white stork population in Ukraine. This initiative complies with ESG principles and supports UN Global Compact Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 – “Preservation of terrestrial ecosystems”. 

The works were carried out in the early spring and during the autumn-winter period, when the storks went to their wintering grounds. Energy workers in the Odesa region even managed to install 5 nests more than planned. This became possible due to the active engagement of local residents. 

“Despite the war, DTEK Odesa Grids continues to restore and develop the energy infrastructure based on the sustainable development principles. Energy workers are working 24/7 to provide electricity to Ukrainians after enemy strikes. Meanwhile, the specialists care about the environment. In 2024 in particular, within the framework of the “EnergyWings project, energy workers relocated 25 stork nests to the reinforced steel platforms. This became possible due to active engagement of local residents, who informed us about emergency nests. As a result, this project will make it possible to protect the birds from electrocution, and customers – from power outages. This year, we will install 20 more platforms within the framework of the “EnergyWings project,” – noted Dmytro Hryhoriev, CEO at DTEK Odesa Grids. 

Since 2020, DTEK Odesa Grids energy workers have already reinforced 278 stork nests on the poles, thus making it possible for more than 3,000 nestlings to spread wings safely. 

In addition to installing nests, energy workers took part in the international project of the Polish Ornithological Society (Małopolskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne) on ringing of nestlings. In 2024, 50 nestlings were ringed in the Odesa region. It helps scientists track impact of the internal factors, war in particular, on the stork population and create an international database for further study and preservation of the species.  

In 2025, the company plans to continue works related to installation of safe platforms for storks in the Odesa region. DTEK Odesa Grids strives not only to ensure reliability of power supply but also contribute to preservation of the Ukrainian ecosystems.