Ukraine: Solar power improves energy supply at care facility in Mykolaiv Oblast
Residents of the Psychoneurological Residential Care Facility in Mykolaiv Oblast will now benefit from a more stable and reliable power supply following the installation of a solar power station implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in partnership with NGO Ecoclub and with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DMFA).
The solar power station was officially inaugurated as part of a joint event with partners and local stakeholders.
The facility provides long-term care for residents who depend on continuous electricity for daily living, including food preparation, hygiene, and medical support. Power outages caused by ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have disrupted operations and placed additional pressure on both staff and residents.
The newly installed system supports key services such as the kitchen, bakery, and water supply, allowing the facility to continue operating during outages. It is also expected to reduce electricity costs and lower carbon emissions.
We are happy to see that Psychoneurological Residential Care Facility is now fully energy-independent. This institution can now continue operating even when external electricity supply is unstable and is guaranteed large savings on electricity expenses every single month. This is one out of 27 energy projects at public institutions in the Mykolaiv region funded by Denmark and carried out by our partners DRC and Ecoclub, and we are certain that all these public institutions in the Mykolaiv region will reap the benefits for many years to come.
Jakob Hansen, Head of Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv
Partnership and implementation
The project was implemented in close cooperation with Ecoclub, a Ukrainian non-governmental environmental organisation whose work includes promoting the development of renewable energy sources (RES) in communities and enhancing Ukraine’s energy resilience.
Supported by DRC, Ecoclub led the implementation of the solar power station, ensuring that the solution responds to local needs and context.
“The solar power station for the Psychoneurological Residential Care Facility is one of 86 solar power plants that Ecoclub has implemented since 2022. This project is important because it ensures uninterrupted access to electricity, hot water, and freshly prepared meals, improving living conditions for vulnerable residents. Such initiatives should be integrated into broader community development strategies. We hope this project will serve as an example for other communities. We thank all partners involved — this is a step towards strengthening Ukraine’s energy independence and addressing the climate crisis,” says Olena Kondratiuk, Project Manager, Ecoclub.
“Working with EcoClub on this project reflects our commitment to supporting Ukrainian organisations to lead the implementation of solutions that directly respond to the needs of their communities. Supported by DRC and with funding from Denmark, this installation helps ensure that services at the facility can continue without interruption, improving daily living conditions for residents who rely on continuous care,” comments Alexa Greenwald, DRC South Area Manager in Mykolaiv.
Background
Across Mykolaiv Oblast and other frontline regions, damage to energy infrastructure continues to affect access to basic services. Through this project, DRC, together with its partners, supports the installation of solar energy systems in critical facilities, including social care institutions, healthcare facilities, and water utilities, helping to ensure continuity of services in the face of ongoing disruptions.
The installed capacity of the solar panels is 108.29 kW, with a battery storage capacity of 204.8 kWh. The system is expected to generate approximately 144,576 kWh annually, resulting in estimated savings of 1,301,184 UAH per year, based on an average electricity tariff of 9 UAH/kWh. The total cost of design, documentation, and construction amounts to 5,539,700.80 UAH, with an estimated payback period of 4.25 years.