Ukraine: Solar installations explode in the face of bombardment

Solar panel installations are multiplying in Ukraine to counter the power cuts caused by the Russian strikes, becoming vital for hospitals and schools.

Share:

Transition énergétique Ukraine

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

In Ukraine, energy infrastructures have been severely hit by Russian bombardments, causing frequent power cuts. Faced with this critical situation, Ukraine is turning massively to solar energy to ensure a constant supply of electricity, especially for hospitals and schools. This new trend is supported by presidential directives and strong demand from private customers.

Transition to Solar Energy

Since the bombing intensified, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been struggling to function properly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently ordered the rapid installation of solar panels in all health and education facilities. This measure is designed to guarantee a minimum of energy stability in the face of repeated attacks.
Nazariï Guitchka, director of a maternity hospital in Kiev, observes the installation of solar panels on the roof of his establishment. He stresses the importance of this initiative in keeping incubators operational and avoiding any interruption in care. The hospital had anticipated these needs as early as the end of 2022, in the midst of the first wave of bombing raids on energy infrastructures.

Impact on Daily Life

Installing solar panels isn’t just limited to institutions. Private customers are also flocking to this solution. Yuri Skoblikov, Sales Director at Solar Tech, reports a massive influx of orders from the very first power cuts. Ukrainian families are seeking to compensate for power grid failures by adopting renewable energy sources. In schools like Spilno in Kiev, solar panels have proved their worth. Not only do they keep school activities going, they also provide energy for local residents. Anastasia Kyslinska, the school’s headmistress, attests to the importance of these facilities for the community.

Towards an Energy Paradigm Shift

Before the war, renewable energies accounted for just 11% of Ukraine’s energy production. However, current circumstances are forcing the country to reconsider its energy mix. Dmytro Bondarenko, a researcher at the Institute of Renewable Energy in Kiev, sees this crisis as an opportunity to speed up the transition to renewable energies. The Ukrainian government is introducing tax incentives and loans to encourage citizens to adopt sustainable energy systems. These measures are designed to strengthen the country’s energy autonomy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Faced with an unprecedented energy crisis, Ukraine has found a viable and sustainable solution in solar energy. The rise in solar panel installations marks a turning point in the country’s energy management. This transition, supported by government initiatives and the mobilization of citizens, could well redefine Ukraine’s energy future.

Sun Trinity has commissioned a 3.1 MW solar carport in Nara, bringing its on-site PPA capacity with Aeon Mall to 10.1 MW under a nationwide rollout plan across twelve commercial sites.
A joint programme funded with CHF15.12mn ($19mn) aims to boost energy efficiency and renewables in Alpine regions by 2029.
Aurora Renewables will develop an intelligent microgrid combining solar, batteries and digital simulation technology to enhance power supply in northern Saskatchewan.
Norwegian firm Scatec expands its presence in West Africa with two solar projects totalling 64 MW and a 10 MWh storage system, under lease agreements signed in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The New South Wales Government has approved Ark Energy’s hybrid solar and battery project in Richmond Valley, combining a solar power plant and long-duration storage.
Nextracker will supply steel frames for solar modules to T1 Energy in a multi-year deal worth over $75mn, aiming to strengthen the local solar supply chain and reduce dependence on imported aluminium.
Geronimo Power has started construction on the Bee Hollow solar park in St. Clair County, a 150 MW project expected to generate $54mn in direct economic impact for the region.
The Tützpatz solar project, developed by Vattenfall and powered by GCL System Integration, combines energy production and agricultural use across 93 hectares without public funding.
Koshidaka Group signed a 10-year power purchase agreement with Farmland and Eneres to supply its Tokyo-area facilities with electricity from a 1.6MWAC solar plant located in Annaka.
The PairPHNXX system, designed for rapid deployment in areas without grid access, targets agricultural, military, and industrial markets with a turnkey modular technology.
Ascent Solar Technologies has delivered samples of its flexible photovoltaic technology to two companies for testing in extreme environments, at sea and in space.
Geronimo Power has started construction of the Bee Hollow solar project, valued at $54mn, in St. Clair County, delivering jobs, tax revenue and a partnership with the IMEA municipal agency.
The British government has approved Tillbridge Solar Farm, a 500-MW solar power plant with 2,310 MWh of energy storage, developed by Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy.
wpd solar France has launched construction of a 140.6MWc photovoltaic park in Marcy, in the Nièvre department, integrating agricultural co-activity across 632 hectares in partnership with five local farms.
Independent energy producer CVE has inaugurated a 12 MWc solar farm on municipal land in Volx, generating 19 GWh annually and an estimated €5mn in economic returns over 30 years.
GreenYellow strengthens its presence in the French overseas territories with the acquisition of 18 rooftop photovoltaic installations in Réunion, totalling 3.1 MWc in capacity, as part of a strategy to consolidate its decentralised energy assets.
The rapid rise of agri-voltaic projects in France raises concerns over agricultural impact, land speculation and the economic viability of a still-emerging model.
Norwegian developer Empower New Energy expands in North Africa with a strategic partnership involving ten industrial solar sites for self-consumption in Tunisia.
Chinese manufacturer JA Solar has started initial deliveries of its 650W n-type DeepBlue 5.0 module from its automated production site in Yangzhou.
Melvan is issuing local bonds to co-finance two photovoltaic projects in Avignon and Sault, aiming to supplement a total budget of EUR5.5mn ($5.82mn).

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.