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. This installation ensures uninterrupted power supply to critical units, including palliative care, rehabilitation, and neurology.
Kharkiv's Mayor, Igor Terekhov, expressed 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 described by Vladlena Salnikova, the hospital's medical director: "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 is the result of a global collaborative effort, involving expertise from Jinko Solar, support from BSW and SolarPower Europe, and even contributions from the community of Raasay in Scotland and Scottish schoolchildren.
Brovary multidisciplinary clinical hospital: Scaling up the vision
Building on the success in Kharkiv, RePower Ukraine has expanded its mission to the Kyiv region. The Brovary Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital now boasts a 24 kW solar power plant with a 28.8 kWh backup system, designed to support the intensive care unit serving over 187,000 residents annually.
The project's inauguration on July 25, 2024, saw attendance from key figures, including Brovary Mayor Igor Sapozhko, German Deputy Ambassador Tim Prange, and First Deputy Minister of Health Serhiy Dubrov, underscoring the initiative's significance at local and international levels.
RePower Ukraine
Jörg Ebel, President of the German Solar Association (BSW), emphasized 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."
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“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 was also participating in 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 extends beyond mere infrastructure development. Established in 2022, RePower Ukraine has been implementing renewable energy initiatives across Ukraine, coupled with educational projects for veterans and internally displaced persons.
International cooperation and support
These projects exemplify the power of international cooperation in addressing urgent needs. The involvement of entities like the German Solar Association, SolarPower Europe, and various international donors demonstrates a shared commitment to Ukraine's sustainable recovery.
First Deputy Minister of Health, Serhiy Dubrov, emphasized the critical nature 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 continues its mission, each solar panel installed becomes a statement of defiance against adversity and a step towards a more resilient future. The foundation's work not only addresses immediate energy needs but also contributes to Ukraine's long-term goals of energy independence and environmental sustainability.
Also see: Joint Venture of EBRD and Goldbeck Solar for PV projects in Ukraine
These hospital projects in Kharkiv and Brovary serve as powerful examples of how renewable energy can play a crucial role in supporting critical infrastructure during challenging times. As Ukraine looks towards recovery and rebuilding, initiatives like these pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future, powered by clean energy and international solidarity. (hcn)
