A hybrid solar power plant has been installed at a water utility facility in the Odesa region to ensure stable operation of the enterprise during power outages. Power supply is critically necessary for the utilities, as it enables the pumps and ensures uninterrupted access to drinking water for the population.
The water utility supplies drinking water to apіproximately 8,000 residents of the community, which is also currently hosting internally displaced people from frontline regions. At the same time, the community continues to develop: a new Administrative Service Center was recently opened, parks and playgrounds are being set up, and leisure activities are organized – the community cultural center offers clubs for children and adults, ranging from mathematics to creative arts. All of this directly depends on the stable operation of basic infrastructure, including water supply.
The solar power plant is already operational and delivering results. In February, it generated 2,890 kWh of electricity, and in March (as of 30.03) – 6,420 kWh. At the current tariff, this amounts to over UAH 150,000 (approx. €2,940) in savings over two months.
“Amid the Russo–Ukrainian war and attacks on energy infrastructure, it is critically important to guarantee the uninterrupted operation of such facilities. The solar power plant will help avoid emergency situations, reduce the burden on the community budget, and direct the saved funds toward the development of the enterprise,” notes Serhii Voloshyn, director of the water utility.
“Our employees really wanted to support Ukraine, so participating in this project was a natural step for us. At a time when the country’s energy infrastructure is under constant attack, solutions that help ensure the operation of critical facilities are extremely important. This solar plant will strengthen the community’s resilience both now and in the future. At Fortum, we are proud to support Ukraine in this effort,” notes Nebahat Albayrak, Executive Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs at Fortum.
“Support from international companies makes it possible to implement solutions that directly impact the stable operation of critical infrastructure. In the case of water utilities, this means uninterrupted water supply even during power outages. Such projects also help communities reduce electricity costs and plan the operation of their utilities more predictably,” notes Olena Kondratiuk, project manager at the NGO Ecoclub.
“For our community, this is an important step toward more stable water supply. Amid constant attacks on energy infrastructure, such solutions give confidence in the operation of the enterprise and open opportunities for further development,” notes Viktor Pokotylo, deputy mayor.
The solar power plant at the water utility is part of a systemic approach to energy resilience of communities. It is precisely the preparation of technical documents and planning that enables communities to attract funding and implement such projects in practice. This is about ensuring the stable operation of critical infrastructure today and laying the foundation for development for years ahead.
Reference information:
The project was implemented by the NGO “Ecoclub” as part of the “Solar Aid for Ukraine” campaign with financial support from Fortum. The total installation cost is UAH 3.37 million (approx. €66,100).
The plant has a 50 kW hybrid inverter and 67.2 kWp in photovoltaic modules.
The plant operates with a hybrid inverter and is equipped with a battery storage system with a capacity of 61.44 kWh. This allows the utility to operate autonomously for up to 3 hours in the event of a power outage.
The solar power plant will generate 95,188 kWh of electricity per year, which will cover up to 40% of the enterprise’s annual consumption. In addition, the water utility will be able to save at least UAH 850,000 (approx. €16,670) annually.
Media contacts:
- Olena Kondratіuk, Project Manager, Ecoclub — kondratyuk@ecoclubrivne.org
- Iryna Obrazhei, Communication Manager, Ecoclub — i.obrazhei@ecoclubrivne.org