Ray of hope: EU announces donation of 5,700 solar panels to Ukraine

On 3 March, the European Commission and Italian company Enel launched a joint project for Ukraine, ‘Ray of hope’, with Enel to donate 5,700 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to Ukraine. 

The solar PV panels – 350 Watts each, for a total capacity of around 2 MW – will cover up to 11,400 square metres of roofs, split among different public buildings in Ukraine. The delivery will be organised by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and is set to take place by summer 2023.

“These solar panels are produced in Europe, in Catania, with the support of the European Innovation Fund. They will provide electricity to schools, hospitals and fire departments. I am convinced that other European companies as well as Member States will be inspired by this first step, so that Ukraine can rely on clean electricity, produced at home,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

This initiative is part of a wider effort undertaken by the EU to ensure off-grid solutions aimed at supplying electricity to key public civilian buildings in Ukraine. Following continued Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure, the EU is providing 5,400 energy generators. The solar PV panels will play a similar role, as they will allow public buildings in Ukraine to rely on self-generated electricity.

“It is especially important today to expand the capacity for autonomous power supply of facilities that are vital for the country’s functioning,” said Ukrainian Minister of Energy, German Galushchenko.

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Press release