Could solar power be the backbone of Ukraine's energy system?

The war against Ukraine has led to massive destruction of the energy infrastructure. One consequence of this is blackouts in cities. In the future, renewables such as wind and solar power could form the backbone of Ukraine’s electricity system. (Image: Oleksii Maznychenko / Adobe Stock)

Can solar power help prevent corruption in Ukraine?

They have determined that solar and wind energy would quickly deliver a distributed power supply system and prevent corruption. The war against Ukraine has led to massive destruction of the energy infrastructure. One consequence of this is blackouts in cities.

How much energy can Ukraine generate?

This technical potential is enormous. The researchers estimate that the potential for wind energy is around 180 gigawatts, while for solar energy it’s around 39 gigawatts. A total capacity of 219 gigawatts would vastly exceed the generation capacity of 59 gigawatts that Ukraine had at the start of the war.

How much solar power will Ukraine have by 2027?

The results show that 9.2 GW of solar generation capacity can be integrated into the Ukrainian electricity system by 2027 and up to 14 GW by 2030. This represents an increase of 8.4 GW compared to current capacity and will require an investment of almost €5 billion.

What is the optimal share of solar power in Ukraine?

Based on techno-economic modelling, we have determined the optimal share of solar power for the period 2027-30. The results show that 9.2 GW of solar generation capacity can be integrated into the Ukrainian electricity system by 2027 and up to 14 GW by 2030.

Does Ukraine have solar power?

In the years leading up to the start of the Russian war of aggression, the share of solar power in Ukraine’s total electricity generation capacity had already increased significantly – from 5.9 GW in 2018 to 8.06 GW in 2022 – an increase in solar generation capacity of almost 37%.