Solar power plants for medical facilities have started operating in Sheptytskyi and Novovolynsk. They will ensure hospitals have electricity even during power outages and will help communities save money on utility bills.
“Ukraine is currently facing unprecedented challenges in the energy sector. Russia is systematically targeting energy infrastructure, trying to use cold and darkness as weapons. Under these conditions, the transition to renewable energy becomes vital for the resilience of communities,” comments Daryna Yaroshovets, energy policy expert at Ecoaction.
Sheptytskyi: Energy Support for the Oncology Department
Seventy solar panels were installed on the roof of the oncology ward at Sheptytskyi hospital. A hybrid solar power plant with a capacity of 30 kW will provide the hospital with over 34,000 kWh of electricity annually, allowing savings of up to 200,000 UAH each year on utility costs. These funds can be directed towards department’s repairs or equipment purchases.
Thanks to batteries with a total capacity of 31.8 kWh, the hospital will be able to operate stably during power outages, even at night.
The project was co-financed: the community contributed nearly a third of the funds, while Ecoaction covered the rest with the support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
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Novovolynsk: Solar Power for the Maternity Ward
In Novovolynsk, a hybrid solar power plant with a capacity of 20 kW was installed on the roof of the hospital’s maternity building. It will generate up to 24,000 kWh of electricity per year. Batteries with a capacity of 10.6 kWh will provide the hospital with energy during outages or at night.
The solar plant will save up to 196,000 UAH annually on utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12 tonnes per year. In the future, it is planned to introduce a net billing system: the hospital will be able to sell surplus electricity to the external grid and receive financial compensation.
Ecoaction, with the support from GIZ, funded 1.48 million UAH of the total project cost, with the remaining amount covered by the community.
“These projects are not only a response to today’s energy challenges but also an important step towards sustainable development for every community. Renewable energy not only helps preserve warmth and light but also strengthens economic independence and community potential. Co-financing was a mandatory condition for participation in the competition, which significantly increased the chances of project implementation. Such cooperation confirms the seriousness of communities’ intentions and their readiness to invest in energy independence and development,” concludes Daryna Yaroshovets.
Background
The projects were implemented by Ukrainian NGOs Ecoaction, Ecoclub, and the charitable foundations Energy Act for Ukraine and RePower Ukraine within the framework of the initiative Renewable Energy for a Resilient Ukraine, carried out by GIZ on behalf of the German government.
Ecoaction, which has been working on issues of just transition in coal regions for seven years, installed solar power plants specifically in coal mining communities.
Translated from Ukrainian by Ecoaction volunteer Elizabeth Kostiana.