Solar Industry Urged To Mobilise Support For Ukraine

As Putin’s invasion of Ukraine continues, the impact on the nation’s renewable energy sector increases – and a call for help has gone out.

Much has been reported on the situation in Ukraine with regard to damage and/or threat to nuclear energy facilities, other conventional power stations and electricity infrastructure generally. But what’s been happening on the renewable energy front?

According to the Ukraine Association of Renewable Energy, the country had 9.5GW of renewables capacity as at the beginning of this year. Earlier this month, the association said 47% of the country’s renewable energy capacity is located in regions where active hostilities are occurring. 37% of ground-mounted and 35% of rooftop/facade solar power plants are within these areas. Additionally, more than 2,400 MW of renewables capacity is located in areas adjacent to active hostilities.

Here was the situation as at March 10:

The Association notes some facilities have been shut down due to equipment damage or destruction of transmission lines.

“There are registered cases of destruction of wind turbines, solar panels, electrical equipment of RES stations, electric transmission lines, and electrical substations,” states the Association. “Soldiers of the Russian occupation forces steal all the equipment from the stations, everything that can be stolen and taken away.”

The Association says the Ukrainian renewable energy sector will demand compensation from Russia.

“Damage caused by the Russian occupiers to all Ukrainian and international businesses on the territory of Ukraine must be compensated through international litigation.”

But that’s down the track – the more urgent task at hand is keeping electricity flowing right now.

Global Solar Council Kicks Off Ukraine Campaign

Last week, the Global Solar Council (GSC) condemned Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and called on the solar industry to mobilise support.

The Global Solar Council is a non-profit body based in Washington D.C. that represents national, regional and international solar associations and major businesses. Australian representation among its members is via the Smart Energy Council.

The GSC is urging solar industry participants to provide critical equipment and in-kind resources so Ukrainian authorities can sustain power systems, communications infrastructure and important facilities. It says solar panels, inverters, batteries and generators of all scales are urgently needed.

The Council is also calling for an acceleration of solar and renewables deployment in all countries to achieve sustainable energy security and independence, stating fossil fuels are often the root of conflict and empower autocratic oil-state leaders.

“.. the GSC urges all governments to adopt extraordinary measures to unlock investments in solar and other renewables in order to ensure energy sovereignty, reduce consumption costs, and accelerate achieving climate targets.”

The GSC is working in cooperation with the  Solar Energy Association of Ukraine for this campaign.

One of the companies to have already started providing assistance in the form of hardware under its own steam is Tesla; with Elon Musk sending Powerwall batteries, solar panels and other gear to help power the Starlink systems he sent that provide internet connectivity.

Solar panels are also already playing a role keeping some gas substations running in Ukraine – something the country’s Government started pursuing last year as a cost-cutting measure, but at the moment it’s more about continuation of supply.

Related: Reduce Gas Use For Ukraine!