Ukrainian wind energy continues to recover its growth rate in terms of new capacity. According to industry association expectations, an additional 500-600 MW of wind farm capacity will be built in the country during 2026. The vast majority of these are likely to start operating this year.
This forecast was reported by Interfax-Ukraine, citing Andriy Konechenkov, chairman of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association (UWEA).
After a decline caused by the full-scale war, the industry is gradually increasing its new generation capacity.
"We conducted a survey of 37 companies. Last year, 324 MW of wind power capacity was launched, which is a breakthrough compared to 2024, when only 20 MW came online. This year, we expect 500-600 MW of new WPP capacity to be built, most of which will be commissioned," said Andriy Konechenkov.
Energy storage
The development of energy storage systems (ESS) is also an important component of energy system stability. Over the past year, the total capacity of Ukrainian energy storage facilities has increased by 512 MW.
According to the head of the UEA, this indicates the formation of a new balance between wind and solar energy and ESS. Such a system can generate electricity without worrying about possible shelling. This combination ensures greater technological stability of generation, which is especially important in the chaotic conditions of full-scale war.
Grid connection
A fundamental issue that could affect the speed of launching new green energy projects is grid connection. According to Andriy Konechenkov, Ukrainian renewable energy associations are currently in talks with NPC Ukrenergo. The business proposal is to independently prepare new facilities for connection to the general power grid.
"The regulator, the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission, is already on our side. And Ukrenergo also partially supports the proposal to simplify the system of rebuilding power lines and reconstructing transformer substations in order to allow private companies to do so. This is necessary in order not to delay the tender process and to speed up the connection of new energy facilities," said the head of the UEA.
Energy businesses generally consider the issue of connection to be one of the most difficult for the development of renewable energy. First of all, this is due to safety concerns and a lack of understanding of what the Ukrainian energy system may look like tomorrow.
“When you receive technical conditions, you probably need to build quickly since you don't know how the situation might change or whether another substation will need to be built in six months. The security situation impacts connection, but Ukrenergo works very professionally. In Poland, where we have a project, this takes years longer than in Ukraine,” said Alina Svyderska, General Director of Scatec Ukraine.
EcoPolitic previously reported that the construction of new solar power facilities in Ukraine has also accelerated. The total capacity of new solar panels reached 1.5 GW versus 800 MW in 2024.
