The initiative to solarise Ukrainian hospitals is gaining momentum. Willi Ernst from the Biohaus Foundation shared updates at the PV Symposium in Bad Staffelstein on the project undertaken with Greenpeace.
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“After the appeal posted on our website, we quickly collected 700 kilowatts of solar modules. This enabled us to install 100 kilowatts of capacity on the roof of a children’s hospital in Kremenchuk,” reported Ernst. “The modules were donated by a farmer in Saxony-Anhalt. In March, we plan to install two more plants in the region south of Kyiv.”
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Particularly urgent: mounting systems
The municipal utility company Stadtwerke Schleswig-Holstein donated over 700 brand-new modules still in their original packaging. These modules, originally intended as replacements for solar parks, were never needed. “We can currently acquire inverters very cheaply,” said Ernst. “In Germany, these devices are no longer standard, but they are perfect for Ukraine.”
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At its core, the issue revolves around the bottleneck in assembly technology. “Modules and inverters are available, but the frames are very expensive,” said Ernst. “We still need support in this area, such as used mounting equipment or donations of materials. And we need a few tens of thousands of euros to cover the remaining costs.”
Charitable donation certificate in place
The Biohaus Foundation provides fully tax-deductible donation receipts, whether for money or goods. For example, the solar technology is transported to Ukraine via a fast and streamlined route coordinated by the city of Paderborn’s aid initiative. Greenpeace has also established logistics chains to ensure the plants reach Ukraine quickly, even amid the ongoing conflict.
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Greenpeace and the Biohaus Foundation are working hand in hand. “The need is immediate,” warned energy expert Andree Böhling, who oversees solar projects in Ukraine for Greenpeace. “We aim to get at least ten transports on the road this year, equalling around one megawatt.”
The long-standing environmental organisation has opened an office in Kyiv and begun training women to become solar installers. As in previous conflicts, with most men on the front or occupied with crisis response, women are stepping up and retraining. “Solar energy plays a central role in hospital emergency supply,” said Böhling. “Maintaining grid stability is proving challenging.”
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Since the Russian invasion, around 85 percent of thermal power plants and half of both hydroelectric and nuclear power plants have failed. Solar systems now keep essential areas of clinics operational, including operating rooms, intensive care units, premature baby units, and critical refrigeration and sterilisation services.
Foundation stone for the future energy system
Greenpeace has compiled a list of 70 hospitals and is prioritising solar system installations. The Biohaus Foundation and Greenpeace are working to complete this list as quickly as possible. This is no small task, but Willi Ernst is optimistic: “These solar plants are the foundation stone for rebuilding Ukraine’s energy supply. The local population can see for themselves that even when power plants fail, vital services continue to operate.” (HS/TF)
Those looking to donate mounting systems, batteries, or solar parts for Ukraine are encouraged to contact Willi Ernst at willi.ernst@biohaus-stiftung.org
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Biohaus-Stiftung website (German-language)
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