We will install it as part of the “Resilience through Solar Energy” project supported by Fortum (Finland). Initially, the project envisaged the installation of only one solar power plant at a water utility in Odesa region. However, following the tender, the construction cost turned out to be lower than we had initially estimated. This created an opportunity to install another solar power plant, this time at a social care institution.
Together with Fortum, we selected one of the psychoneurological care institutions in the region. Ecoclub had previously assessed the possibility of installing a solar power plant at this institution as part of another project. At that time, the institution was not selected for the construction of a solar power plant. When the new opportunity arose, we returned to this site.
Why did we choose this institution?
The institution is home to 128 residents who need daily care and support. More than 80 staff members ensure its round-the-clock operation: they care for the residents, prepare meals, do laundry and cleaning, provide medical and social services, and organise leisure activities.
The institution also runs its own farm, which partly provides food for its residents. Electricity is therefore needed not only for lighting the premises, but also for many everyday processes that are essential for the institution’s operation and the care of its residents.
The future solar power plant will be a hybrid system with battery storage. According to preliminary estimates, during the summer it will be able to cover up to 50% of the institution’s electricity consumption. During power outages, the batteries are expected to provide at least 4.5 hours of operation for critical loads.
We install solar power plants at facilities where a stable electricity supply is critical. They help institutions continue operating during power outages while also reducing electricity costs. This is particularly important for a residential care institution where people live permanently and require round-the-clock care.
This week, we visited the institution together with the contractor who will work on the future solar power plant. During the working visit, we inspected the areas where the work will take place, discussed technical details, and signed the contract.
We are now moving on to the main stage. First, the contractor will develop the design and cost documentation, which will determine the final technical solutions. After that, construction will begin.
“As a Nordic energy company, Fortum is especially proud to support the energy resilience of Odesa region institutions. Ecoclub has demonstrated their commitment to delivering the projects efficiently, and we are happy to see that our help makes a difference. Supporting Ukrainians is a matter of the heart for our employees,” says Tomas Qvickström, VP Sustainability at Fortum.
We thank Fortum for its support and for making it possible to install another solar power plant in Odesa region.
Follow our updates. Soon, we will share more about the institution itself and the implementation of the project.