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. The installation ensures uninterrupted power supply to critical units, including palliative care, rehabilitation and neurology.
Kharkiv's Mayor, Igor Terekhov, shared 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 Vladlena Salnikova, the hospital's medical director, explained: “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 stems from a global collaborative effort, bringing together expertise from Jinko Solar, support from BSW and SolarPower Europe, and contributions from the Raasay community in Scotland, including Scottish schoolchildren.
Brovary multidisciplinary clinical hospital: Scaling up the vision
Building on its success in Kharkiv, RePower Ukraine has extended its mission to the Kyiv region. The Brovary Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital now boasts a a 24 kW solar power plant and a 28.8 kWh backup system, ensuring reliable support for the intensive care unit, which serves over 187,000 residents annually. The project's inauguration on 25 July 2024 was attended by key figures, including Brovary Mayor Igor Sapozhko, German Deputy Ambassador Tim Prange, and First Deputy Minister of Health Serhiy Dubrov, highlighting the initiative's importance both locally and internationally.
RePower Ukraine
Jörg Ebel, President of the German Solar Association (BSW), highlighted 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.”
“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 also contributed to 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 goes beyond infrastructure development. Established in 2022, RePower Ukraine has been driving renewable energy initiatives across the country while also implementing educational programmes for veterans and internally displaced persons.
International cooperation and support
These projects highlight the impact of international cooperation in addressing urgent needs. The participation of organisations such as the German Solar Association, SolarPower Europe, and various international donors reflects a shared commitment to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.
First Deputy Minister of Health, Serhiy Dubrov, underlined the importance 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 advances its mission, every solar panel installed stands as a statement of defiance against adversity and a step toward a more resilient future. The foundation’s efforts address immediate energy needs while also supporting Ukraine’s long-term goals of energy independence and environmental sustainability.
Joint Venture of EBRD and Goldbeck Solar for PV projects in Ukraine
These hospital projects in Kharkiv and Brovary demonstrate the vital role renewable energy can play in supporting critical infrastructure during challenging times. As Ukraine moves toward recovery and rebuilding, such initiatives lay the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient future, driven by clean energy and international cooperation. (hcn)
