#EnergyWings: the storks have returned to their nests, installed by DTEK energy workers in the Kyiv region

Thermal power generation08 May 2023

The storks returned to the Kyiv region. The birds have settled in nests on special protective platforms that DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids has installed on the poles over the past 3 years. It helped safeguard the birds and prevented customers’ blackouts that could have been caused by its falling on the wires. In 2023, despite the war and concentration of all efforts on maintaining the energy system balance and restoration of grids after hostilities, energy workers continue to follow the UN GC Sustainable Development Goal. They will continue to monitor the state of nests on the protective structures.

#EnergyWings: the storks have returned to their nests, installed by DTEK energy workers in the Kyiv region

“In 2022, due to the war the company was forced to direct all efforts and resources to the restoration of the destroyed electrical infrastructure. Nevertheless, we do not abandon our good project #EnergyWings. It is clear that due to the war in the country, the company has to implement such projects on a lesser scale. But we continue to protect storks and, at the same time, protect our customers form blackouts,” – told the company.

In 2023, despite concentration of all company’s efforts on the emergency and restoration activities after shelling, DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids specialists continue to take care of the birds.

Besides, energy workers will inspect overhead power lines during the warm season. They will register places on the poles, where birds have built their dwellings. If a nest is in emergency condition — it will be reinforced. Unless an unexpected situation occurs, this work will be carried out in autumn, when the birds fly away with the flock.

Video of energy workers inspecting safe platforms is available via the link.

Kyiv region is one of the most favorable for birds nesting. Pretty often the storks build their nests on the poles near people’s houses. However, such vicinity is dangerous for the birds, and it often damages grids. Therefore, DTEK specialist install special structures. Since 2020, 103 nests in the Kyiv region have been relocated to the safe platforms.

DTEK have been arranging stork nests since 2013. For the past three years the company has been doing it within the framework of a large-scale environmental educational project #EnergyWings. Installation of special structures for birds is continuation of a DTEK policy for sustainable development and implementation of the UN Global Compact with regard to preservation of natural biodiversity.