Energy workers of the DTEK Grids DSO installed 62 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 Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions even managed to install 8 nests more than planned. This became possible due to the active engagement of local residents.
“Despite the war, DTEK Grids DSO continue to develop grids infrastructure based on the sustainable development principles. Our goal is to provide quality European-level power supply services to Ukrainians, while being as environmental-friendly as possible. In 2024, our energy workers reinforced over 60 stork nests, thus not only protecting the birds, but also improving reliability of power supply for millions of Ukrainians,” – noted Alina Bondarenko, CEO at DTEK Grids.
Since 2013, DTEK Grids energy workers have already reinforced over 700 stork nests on the poles, thus making it possible for more than 20,000 nestlings to spread wings safely.
In addition to installing nests, energy workers in Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions took part in the international project of the Polish Ornithological Society (Małopolskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne) on ringing of nestlings. In 2024, 124 nestlings were ringed in Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions. 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, DTEK Grids plans to continue works related to installation of safe platforms for storks in Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions, as well as in the city of Kyiv. DTEK Grids Distribution Systems Operators strive not only to ensure reliability of power supply but also contribute to preservation of the Ukrainian ecosystems.