In the context of a full-scale war, about 60% of Ukraine's power system capacity remains occupied, damaged or destroyed. The regions have found a solution to this energy issue – communities are actively installing solar power plants. Previously implemented projects have shown that these renewable energy sources can not only help during power outages, but also significantly save budget funds.
Information about these energy projects was shared with community leaders and the media.
Where projects have been recently completed or partially implemented
Shumsk, Ternopil region
In the Ternopil region, a 50 kW SPP was installed in the Shumsk City Hospital. The hospital is the largest consumer of electricity among the community's utilities. Thanks to the solar station, it will save up to UAH 800 thousand annually for the city budget.
Photo: facebook.com/boyarskyv.
The solar power plant was installed as part of the Renewable Energy for Sustainable Ukraine grant project funded by Germany.
Kalush, Ivano-Frankivsk region
A solar power plant is also being installed on two units of the municipal water intake lift in Kalush. It is being built through the ESCO mechanism, i.e. with the participation of an energy service company.
In 2024, Kalush Energy Company held a tender. The winning company undertook to build the structure and install solar panels at its own expense. The mayor of Kalush, Andriy Naida, emphasized that the utility company does not invest any money in the construction.
Photo: facebook.com/naida.andrii.
KEK will buy the solar energy produced from the investor at 10% cheaper than the market price. And in case of unforeseen circumstances, the water lifts will be able to operate using the energy generated by the SPP.
According to the mayor, the solar plant will become the property of the community in 2037. The capacity of both facilities is the same – 90 kW each. The capacity is 100 thousand kWh per year.
“The solar panels on the first block of the first lift of the municipal water intake are almost installed. The second one is in the process of installation. In general, the work at both sites should be completed in about a month,” says Andriy Naida.
Lokhvytsia, Poltava region
A 34 kWh SPP was installed in the Lokhvytsia Central District Hospital.
Photo: facebook.com/lmr.gov.ua.
The total cost of the project amounted to UAH 1,340,761. It was funded by the state budget by 50%, by the district council by 25%, and another 25% was provided by the project partner, Regal Petroleum Corporation Limited.
The estimated average annual generation will be 30 thousand kWh, which makes it possible to save about 320 thousand UAH annually.
Nadvirna, Ivano-Frankivsk region
A modern solar power plant with a capacity of 10 kW was installed on the roof of the Nadvirna non-profit primary health care center. It is equipped with an additional 20 kWh battery that will provide backup power in case of emergency shutdowns or power outages.
Which communities have already allocated funds for new solar power plants
Ternopil
In this regional center, it is planned to provide the regional council building with a solar power plant with a capacity of up to 200 kW. According to preliminary calculations, it will save up to 30% of the annual electricity consumption of this institution.
The total cost of the work is UAH 8 million. Part of the money has already been allocated from the regional budget by order of the head of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration.
It is expected that the SPP will save UAH 2 million annually and will pay for itself in 3 years.
Mykolaiv
The Danish company DRC allocates €300 thousand for the installation of solar power plants for 4 facilities of the Mykolaivvodokanal utility. Project documentation is currently being developed for these projects.
In total, within the framework of cooperation with DRC, it is planned to equip SPPs at 12 facilities of the utility company.
Recently, EcoPolitic reported that a solar power plant was installed in the Bohuslav community in the Kyiv region, which will help reduce sewage costs by UAH 770 thousand per year.
