RePower Ukraine was formed as a charitable foundation by Ukraine's largest solar energy companies in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion, in order to counter its direst impacts. Earlier this year, RePower supplied a 24-kilowatt rooftop solar power system and associated 28.8 kilowatt-hour battery storage system for a district hospital near Kyiv. It was specifically designed to provide reliable power for the hospital's intensive care unit.
The war has had particularly dire consequences for Ukrainian hospitals and the emergency services, with medics being forced to conduct operations using torches.
In the longer term, the foundation's goal is to secure energy independence for Ukraine through the transition to renewable energy, moving away from dependence on Russian natural gas, oil and uranium.
Solar Energy UK members have already made vital donations to RePower, worth tens of thousands of pounds. To name but some, these include major distributors Segen, Midsummer and Waxman, with Midsummer recently three pallets of battery storage systems, destined for two hospitals. Solar installer Photon Energy has also committed to supporting the foundation.
However, it is still seeking donations of money, mobile battery energy storage systems, solar water pumps, portable solar power banks and other such vital equipment.
A memorandum of cooperation between RePower and Solar Energy UK was signed last week at Solar & Storage Live Birmingham, the industry's biggest conference and exhibition. RePower shared its stage for the event, facilitating discussions with SEUK members, industry representatives and visiting MPs Wera Hobhouse and Ed Morello.
The agreement commits to support the implementation of photovoltaic and battery storage projects for Ukrainian hospitals, water treatment facilities, schools, kindergartens and other municipal institutions; share expertise; help with training; and together promote policies and best practices to alleviate energy poverty through solar power. SEUK has also promised to promote RePower's visibility, help with fundraising and support communications, among other commitments.
“This agreement with RePower Ukraine is not just about responding to the catastrophic impact of the war on Ukraine's most vulnerable people” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK. “It is also about recognizing how Putin's invasion led to the energy price crisis, further underlining the need for rapid decarbonisation. I call on more of our members to help RePower Ukraine, with both kit and cash.”
Image: From left to right: Gareth Simkins, Artem Semenyshyn, Iryna Zahorodnia, Chris Hewett, Masha Matakova and Nick Arnold; Artem and Chris sign the memorandum
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