- The current war in Ukraine has caused damage to power plants and electricity in general.
- Solar panels are already helping to keep some gas substations operational in Ukraine.
- The Ukraine Association of Renewable Energy estimates that the country had 9.5GW of renewable energy capacity this year.
The impact of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on the country’s renewable energy sector is growing, prompting an appeal for assistance. Much has been written about the situation in Ukraine in terms of damage to nuclear power plants, other conventional power plants, and electricity infrastructure in general. But what’s been going on in the world of renewable energy?
The Ukraine Association of Renewable Energy estimates that the country had 9.5GW of renewable energy capacity this year. The association said earlier this month that 47% of areas where active hostilities occur. These areas contain 37% ground-mounted solar power plants and 35% rooftop/facade solar power plants. In addition, more than 2,400MW of renewable energy generation is located near active conflict zones.
The Global Solar Council, situated in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit organization that represents national, regional, and international solar associations and large corporations. The Smart Energy Council represents Australia among the group’s members. The GSC requests solar industry participants to provide crucial equipment and in-kind resources to continue operating in Ukraine’s power systems, communications infrastructure, and critical facilities. According to the report, solar panels, inverters, batteries, and generators are desperately needed.