Ukraine, 3 years after the start of the war: how decentralised solar solutions are helping to resist Russian attacks
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, almost two-thirds of the country’s electricity production capacity has been destroyed, plunging the Ukrainian population into an unprecedented energy crisis. In response to this situation, ARE Member Electriciens sans frontières (ESF) has deployed decentralised solar solutions to ensure a reliable and renewable energy supply to essential infrastructures such as hospitals, schools and pumping stations.
Russian attacks plunge Ukraine into major energy crisis
The Russian invasion has not only disrupted the daily lives of Ukrainians, but has also left their critical infrastructure extremely vulnerable. The attacks have mainly targeted power stations, plunging regions into continuous blackouts, particularly in winter. Each power cut not only disrupts health and education services, but also compromises access to drinking water. It is in this difficult context that decentralised solar solutions come into play.
Hybrid solutions for renewable and reliable energy
Shortly after the start of the war, ESF deployed hybrid solutions to ensure a reliable energy supply in critical areas. These installations are made up of solar panels coupled with energy storage systems (batteries), guaranteeing a stable supply even in the absence of a centralised electricity network. This project is aimed at vital infrastructures such as hospitals, schools and water pumping stations.
Hybrid solutions offer a strategic response to the challenges of war. Unlike large power plants vulnerable to aerial attack, small decentralised solar units are much harder to target, making them far more resilient in the face of Russian strikes.
This project is being deployed with the support of the Crisis and Support Centre of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Why schools, pumping stations and health centres?
The main objective of the project is to guarantee an autonomous energy supply for essential structures, thereby ensuring their proper functioning in the short, medium and long term. ESF is focusing on the following infrastructures:
- Hospitals: to ensure the operation of vital medical equipment, such as oxygen generators and intensive care machines.
- Schools: to ensure that children have access to education even during prolonged power cuts.
- Pumping stations: to ensure the supply of drinking water, particularly in areas affected by the attacks.
Concrete results and measurable impacts
Thanks to the mobilisation of ESF volunteers, financial and operational partners, more than 90 structures have been equipped with hybrid solar solutions, representing an installed capacity of around 2 MWp. These installations have not only strengthened the energy resilience of hospitals, schools and pumping stations, but have also offered a long-term sustainable solution.
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