19.02.2026
Amid constant attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine is forced to abandon the Soviet model of centralized heat and power supply. The solution is decentralization — creating local energy hubs capable of providing light and heat to hospitals, water utilities, and entire residential neighborhoods. We spoke with Sandis Āķis, CEO of the Latvian company BSC Group, about how to implement such projects in short timeframes and where to find equipment “for yesterday.”
— Mr. Sandis, your company has over 15 years of experience in the Baltic and EU energy markets. How do you assess Ukraine’s current needs? Why is cogeneration (CHP) considered the only alternative for infrastructure restoration today?
— The situation in Ukraine demands pragmatic and rapid solutions. A centralized system is too vulnerable a target. The future lies in decentralization. Cogeneration units, which simultaneously produce electricity and heat, allow for the creation of resilient local energy hubs. The main advantage of modern gas piston units is their efficiency. The total efficiency (COP) is over 90%. For municipalities, this means more than just backup power; it means the full provision of heat and hot water for critical infrastructure, regardless of the state of the main grids.
— One of the biggest problems right now is time. Building a stationary thermal power plant takes years, which we don’t have. What does BSC Group offer for a quick start?
— We are betting on modularity. Our key solution is containerized “plug-and-play” units. This is a fully factory-ready solution with a high level of readiness. The client does not need to build a permanent structure. The energy module is delivered to the site fully equipped; it only needs to be connected to the gas pipeline and the electrical grid. This allows for the rapid restoration of a city’s heat supply or the launch of backup capacity for industry in a matter of months, not years.
— There is currently a shortage of generating equipment on the market. You claim to have engines available. Which manufacturers are we talking about, and are they truly accessible for Ukraine?
— Yes, we understand that promises to deliver equipment “in a year” are of no interest to anyone. Therefore, we have formed an up-to-date list of engines available for delivery. We work with leading global brands: MWM, Jenbacher, MTU, CAT, and MAN. These are proven industrial solutions that have demonstrated their reliability. We are ready to provide this list to interested communities and businesses so they can plan their projects based on real possibilities rather than theoretical catalogs.
— Many communities worry about the future: what happens when the war ends or if the price of gas changes? How sustainable are your solutions?
— This is a crucial question. We are not offering “temporary crutches.” Our units are an investment in long-term energy efficiency. They run on natural gas but are equally ready to operate on biogas and biomethane. In other words, by installing such a station today for survival, you gain an asset that will work tomorrow within the framework of the “green transition” and the circular economy. This ensures the long-term sustainability of the projects.
— BSC Group positions itself as a full-cycle company. What does this mean in practice for a Ukrainian customer who might not have their own staff of power engineers?
— It means we don’t just sell “hardware.” We handle the entire engineering process — from developing the technical concept and economic justification to installation, integration into existing grids, and subsequent service. We understand that every hospital or factory has its own specific needs. Our task is to select the optimal configuration of CHP modules, perform commissioning, and train the personnel. We are ready to share our European experience so that the Ukrainian energy system becomes not only restored but modernized.
Reference: BSC Group SIA (Latvia) — a European engineering company specializing in the design and implementation of industrial energy solutions. Manufacturer of containerized CHP plants and backup power systems. Head: Sandis Āķis Website: bscgroup.eu Email for inquiries: sandis@bscgroup.eu
