Solar Energy UK and RePower Ukraine
1 October 2024
Trade group Solar Energy UK has signed an agreement with RePower Ukraine to aid the delivery of vital backup power systems for threatened hospitals and other critical infrastructure.
Formed by Ukraine’s largest solar energy companies in the wake of the 2022, the charitable foundation works to counter the direst effects of the invasion.[1] As just one example of its work, earlier this year RePower supplied a 24-kilowatt rooftop solar power system and associated 28.8 kilowatt-hour battery storage system for a district hospital near Kyiv. It was specifically designed to provide reliable power for the hospital’s intensive care unit.[2]
The war has had particularly dire consequences for Ukrainian hospitals and the emergency services, with medics being forced to conduct operations using torches.[3]
In the longer term, the foundation’s goal is to secure energy independence for Ukraine through the transition to renewable energy, moving away from dependence on Russian natural gas, oil and uranium.
Solar Energy UK members have already made vital donations to RePower, worth tens of thousands of pounds. To name but some, these include major distributors Segen, Midsummer and Waxman, with Midsummer recently three pallets of battery storage systems, destined for two hospitals. Solar installer Photon Energy has also committed to support the foundation.
But it is still seeking donations of money, mobile battery energy storage systems, solar water pumps, portable solar power banks and other such vital equipment.
Accordingly, a memorandum of cooperation between RePower and Solar Energy UK was signed last week at Solar & Storage Live Birmingham, the industry’s biggest conference and exhibition. RePower shared our stage for the event, facilitating discussions with members, members of the industry and visiting MPs Wera Hobhouse and Ed Morello.
The agreement commits to support the implementation of photovoltaic and battery storage projects for Ukrainian hospitals, water treatment facilities, schools, kindergartens and other municipal institutions; share expertise; help with training; and together promote policies and best practices to alleviate energy poverty through solar power. SEUK has also promised to promote Repower’s visibility, help with fundraising and support communications, among other commitments.
Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK said: “This agreement with RePower Ukraine is not just about responding to the catastrophic impact of the war on Ukraine’s most vulnerable people. It is also about recognising how Putin’s invasion led to the energy price crisis, further underlining the need for rapid decarbonisation. I call on more of our members to help RePower Ukraine, with both kit and cash.”
Nick Arnold, International Ambassador of the RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation in the UK said: “I am really pleased to see the signing of the MoU between SEUK and RePower at Solar & Storage Live and very grateful for the support from the members and staff of SEUK, especially Chris Hewett, Gareth Simkins and Masha Matakova. SEUK have been helping RePower behind the scene for the last 12 months and hopefully this helps raise awareness of the charity even further.”
Renewable energy consultant Artem Semenyshyn, Board Member of RePower Ukraine and former Chief Executive of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine, said: “We are excited to set up a framework for long-lasting fruitful collaboration with SEUK on the further development of PV and energy storage projects for Ukrainian hospitals. This will strengthen the historically important cooperation between the UK and Ukraine.”
Solar Energy UK Membership and Business Development Adviser Masha Matakova, a Ukrainian and our primary contact with RePower, said: “Supporting Ukraine’s solar energy efforts means the world to me, especially as someone from Kharkiv. Our energy infrastructure has been devastated, and solar power offers not only a path to resilience and independence but can actually save lives. My family and friends are often left without lights, heat, or power for long stretches of time, making everyday life incredibly difficult.”
“The hospital where my father was treated not so long ago is now installing solar panels thanks to the support of RePower Ukraine. Knowing this could provide reliable energy for critical moments makes it deeply personal. Your support can make a real difference for people who need it most,” she added.
[1] RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation
[2] Solar Energy to Support Resilience: Brovary Hospital is Equipped with a PV Plant and Batteries
[3] ‘We’ve learnt to do surgery without electricity’: Ukraine’s power cuts worsen
– ENDS –
Editor’s notes:
Russia has destroyed more than half of Ukraine’s power generation capacity, forcing millions of people to live with to regular blackouts. Moscow’s objective has been to undermine the country’s industrial capacity, demoralise its population and weaken its resilience – with the intention to set the stage for a peace agreement on Russian terms.
A connection to the EU grid, launched in March 2022, has had a limited impact due to restricted transmission capacity.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Gareth Simkins, Senior Communications Adviser
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Gareth Simkins
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