In Kharkiv, where the missile attacks are constant, RePower Ukraine has transformed a children’s hospital into a beacon of energy independence. A 30 kW solar power plant, coupled with a 43 kWh backup system, ensures that critical care units – including palliative care, rehabilitation, and neurology – never go dark.
Similarly, in the Kyiv region, the Brovary Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital now boasts a 24 kW solar plant with a 28.8 kWh backup system. This installation, crucial for the hospital’s intensive care unit serving over 187,000 residents annually, represents a model of energy independence that RePower Ukraine aims to replicate across the country.

All these projects were supported by international partners like Jinko Solar, BSW, and SolarPower Europe, SMA Solar Technologies alongside community efforts from as far as Scotland, showcases the global solidarity behind Ukraine’s resilience.

Ongoing Support for frontline hospitals

In addition to these larger-scale hospital projects, RePower Ukraine maintains a crucial lifeline to hospitals in the most vulnerable areas. Throughout the summer, the foundation has consistently delivered essential energy equipment to critical departments in frontline hospitals. This ongoing effort ensures that even in the most challenging circumstances, medical facilities can continue to provide life-saving care.

See also: Backup solar power for Ukrainian hospitals

The deliveries include portable power stations, solar generators, and other vital equipment that can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations. This sustained support underscores RePower Ukraine’s commitment to not only building long-term energy solutions but also addressing immediate needs in areas directly impacted by conflict.

Community empowerment: Slobozhanske Solar Mapping Project

Slobozhanske community in the Kharkiv region is embracing a sustainable future, having got the chance to transform into “green” one. RePower Ukraine’s latest project there involves solar mapping analysis of municipal buildings, potentially saving the community 207,000 euros in energy costs. This initiative employs cutting-edge solar mapping technology to optimize placement and efficiency.

Key findings from the Slobozhanske project:
– Optimal solar panel capacity to cover 100% of 16 critical infrastructure facilities’ needs: 382 kW
– Potential annual savings on electricity: 3.5 million UAH
– Average payback period: 2.5 years
– Total potential solar capacity across all facilities: over 1 MW

RePower Ukraine

Solar panel designing for a municipal building in Slobozhanske/Ukraine.

This project, part of the “New Energy – Promoting Dialogue for Sustainable Development of Ukrainian Coal Regions” initiative by implemented by partner organisations Germanwatch, the Centre for Environmental Initiatives “Ecoaction”, and the Luhansk Regional Human Rights Centre “Alternative” with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, exemplifies the transformation of former coal regions into renewable energy pioneers.

Education and workforce development: Solar Restart Program

Recognizing that sustainable energy requires a skilled workforce, RePower Ukraine has launched the “Solar Restart” program with the support of support of European Climate Foundation. This free 10-week course offers veterans the opportunity to retrain in two key areas:
1. Solar Power Station Design
2. Solar Power Station Installation

With 20 students enrolled in design and 30 in installation, the program not only provides valuable skills but also psychological support and job placement assistance, helping veterans transition to civilian life while contributing to Ukraine’s energy future.

Looking ahead

The success of these summer initiatives sets a powerful precedent for the future of energy independence in Ukraine. As Igor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, aptly put it, “It’s more than electricity; it’s a beacon of resilience.” With each solar panel installed and each kilowatt generated, Ukraine moves closer to a future that is not just powered by the sun, but by the indomitable spirit of its people and the global community that stands with them.

Also see: Call for reconstruction with solar technology

RePower Ukraine’s efforts serve as a testament to what can be achieved when humanitarian needs, sustainable technology, and community empowerment converge. As Ukraine continues its fight toward recovery and renewal, the foundation’s work illuminates the path forward. (Iryna Kosenko/hcn)





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How is the business of large solar roofs for commercial customers currently developing?

Joachim Goldbeck: Industrial roofs are doing well, although new construction in industry is currently slowing down. We are doing well with the installation of solar systems on the roofs of existing buildings, and projects are running continuously.

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Will the solar package bring more momentum to this market segment?

The tenders for solar roofs have been expanded, that is now clear. The supply of electricity to tenants and shared systems has also been simplified. In the case of solar roofs, our industrial and commercial customers often focus on their own consumption of solar power. The situation is different for project developers or investors who own large logistics halls. Here, feed-in is the priority. In both cases, an appropriate feed-in tariff is important to ensure economic profitability.

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How are ground-mounted solar parks developing?

The demand is enormous. We have large and well-developed projects that we are implementing. However, grid connections are becoming scarce. Negative electricity prices are also a poor fit with the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) business model. However, there is a strong pull in this market. Major players have built up larger project pipelines.

Some analysts see major challenges for the large ground-mounted parks due to the problems you mentioned …

We will see whether the prophecies of doom come true or whether the bulls in the market are right. Because we need a lot more solar power, for example for electrical heat supply or e-mobility. Or the growing demand for electricity due to the increasing volumes of data resulting from artificial intelligence. Electricity is becoming increasingly important in industry, for example in the production of steel.

Move On Energy puts Witznitz energy park into operation

Could large storage batteries boost the expansion of solar parks?

As an EPC, we are currently building a stand-alone battery system for a customer as pure grid storage. This can currently be presented with exciting business models, even without a solar field. But battery storage systems will also play a growing role in solar projects. Hybrids of wind and solar can make better use of grid connection points, supported by large electricity storage systems. That will come, or is already underway.

How do you see the market developing in other countries? Which ones are particularly promising?

Goldbeck Solar has been very strong in the Netherlands for years. We have very large projects on the books there, especially on open land. I expect demand to change in a year or two. We assume that agri-PV will gain in importance. We will see what is grown underneath. We call this agrivoltaics. Because the interests of farmers are taken into account, it could be easier to obtain approval for this in the future than for solar parks on greenfield sites, for example.

Podcast Solar Investor’s Guide #1: Thomas Schoy on problems with grid connection

Which other markets are exciting for you?

Poland is just getting going again. This market stuttered for some time and was delayed. Now we have very nice projects there. We also see very good prospects in Ukraine once the war is over. We have set up a joint venture with a partner to develop this market. However, there are still a number of unanswered questions, such as federal guarantees that also cover war damage.

There is a glaring lack of electricity in Ukraine, the infrastructure has been destroyed. Solar systems should actually be the first choice for reconstruction, shouldn’t they?

We started the joint venture to develop this market. So far, there are no models like PPAs in Ukraine. Private electricity traders have only been licensed for two years. Although many investors are showing some interest, it’s still a lot of talk. Martial law is currently in force and the electricity grid is very unstable. Electricity sales to local companies are not permitted in euros, only in the national currency, the hryvnia. We need the risks to be hedged by politicians before any real investment can be made.

Download free of charge (PDF): Witznitz Energy Park – New opportunity for old spoil tip

You have built many plants in the UK. What impact has Brexit had?

The UK was a strong market between 2011 and 2016. After a few weak years, we now have some good projects on our doorstep again, although many processes are definitely more complex. It is very difficult to find the right workers. In the past, many fitters from Poland or Ukraine worked in the UK, which was possible within the EU. Brexit has made this much more difficult. Taxes, customs and so on have also become more complicated.

We’ve seen similar ups and downs in Spain. Is recovery in sight there?

We are currently building eleven megawatts on Mallorca and 30 megawatts on the mainland. We are in talks about another 30 megawatt project. However, Spain is currently being stormed by project providers. This is causing the PPA price to fall. We have high quality standards, for example for cable technology. If only the lowest price counts in the market, the situation is not healthy. We need to identify customers who are prepared to value higher quality and longevity.

Interview by Heiko Schwarzburger





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Two recent projects in Kharkiv and Brovary showcase the foundation’s commitment to building aresilient and sustainable future for Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure.

Kharkiv children’s hospital: A beacon of hope

In Kharkiv, where the scars of conflict are still fresh, a children’s hospital now stands as a symbol of resilience and international solidarity. RePower Ukraine has installed a state-of-the-art 30 kW solar power plant, complete with 54 panels and a 43 kWh backup system. This installation ensures uninterrupted power supply to critical units, including palliative care, rehabilitation, and neurology.

Kharkiv’s Mayor, Igor Terekhov, expressed his optimism: “We’ve seen the miracle of uninterrupted power at Hospital No. 17. Now, this children’s hospital joins the ranks of the energy independent. It’s more than electricity; it’s a beacon of resilience.”

The project’s impact is profound, as described by Vladlena Salnikova, the hospital’s medical director: “Imagine a child on life support, their family anxiously watching. Now, imagine the power fails. With this system, that fear vanishes. We’re not just saving on bills; we’re saving lives and offering peace of mind.”

This achievement is the result of a global collaborative effort, involving expertise from Jinko Solar, support from BSW and SolarPower Europe, and even contributions from the community of Raasay in Scotland and Scottish schoolchildren.

Brovary multidisciplinary clinical hospital: Scaling up the vision

Building on the success in Kharkiv, RePower Ukraine has expanded its mission to the Kyiv region. The Brovary Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital now boasts a 24 kW solar power plant with a 28.8 kWh backup system, designed to support the intensive care unit serving over 187,000 residents annually.

The project’s inauguration on July 25, 2024, saw attendance from key figures, including Brovary Mayor Igor Sapozhko, German Deputy Ambassador Tim Prange, and First Deputy Minister of Health Serhiy Dubrov, underscoring the initiative’s significance at local and international levels.

RePower Ukraine

Brovary multidisciplinary clinical hospital

Jörg Ebel, President of the German Solar Association (BSW), emphasized the project’s importance in a video message: “Today it’s a great honour for me as President of the German Solar Association to welcome you all on the day when we are opening the new solar system, providing electricity and security. I am very grateful to cooperate with our dear partner – RePower Ukraine, who made this day possible.”

Also see: New Solar2Share Collective

 “I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to use our technology to help provide safe, reliable healthcare to this region,” said SMA CEO Jürgen Reinert. The German-based company was also participating in the project.

A model for sustainable healthcare

Iryna Kosenko, Communications and PR Manager of RePower Ukraine, highlighted the broader implications of these projects: “This is primarily about the energy independence of communities, the resilience of critical infrastructure, and ensuring medical services for residents, despite challenges with constant power outages. We are creating a model of supporting energy supply for hospitals that needs to be scaled to other medical facilities throughout Ukraine.”

The foundation’s work extends beyond mere infrastructure development. Established in 2022, RePower Ukraine has been implementing renewable energy initiatives across Ukraine, coupled with educational projects for veterans and internally displaced persons.

International cooperation and support

These projects exemplify the power of international cooperation in addressing urgent needs. The involvement of entities like the German Solar Association, SolarPower Europe, and various international donors demonstrates a shared commitment to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.

First Deputy Minister of Health, Serhiy Dubrov, emphasized the critical nature of such initiatives: “In the conditions of a full-scale war, providing healthcare facilities with autonomous power sources is crucial for delivering quality medical care. By the start of the heating season, we aim to provide all cluster and super-cluster healthcare facilities with uninterrupted power sources.”

Looking ahead

As RePower Ukraine continues its mission, each solar panel installed becomes a statement of defiance against adversity and a step towards a more resilient future. The foundation’s work not only addresses immediate energy needs but also contributes to Ukraine’s long-term goals of energy independence and environmental sustainability.

Also see: Joint Venture of EBRD and Goldbeck Solar for PV projects in Ukraine

These hospital projects in Kharkiv and Brovary serve as powerful examples of how renewable energy can play a crucial role in supporting critical infrastructure during challenging times. As Ukraine looks towards recovery and rebuilding, initiatives like these pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future, powered by clean energy and international solidarity. (hcn)





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