A strategic water utility in Kirovohrad region gains energy independence

The Ukrainian charitable organization Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation together with the international humanitarian organization Mercy Corps, within the framework of the “Solar water utilities” project, have equipped a water utility in Kirovohrad region with a hybrid solar power plant. Thanks to the newly built station, a town with a population of more than 15,000 people will now have uninterrupted water supply even during blackouts.

“During the years of the full-scale invasion, we repeatedly faced the challenge of powering the water utility during blackouts. This posed a direct risk of water cuts across the community. It was especially painful in the summer, when the demand for water was at its peak. That is why the appearance of such a power plant is not just a technical solution, but a step toward energy independence and stability for the entire community” – commented the Mayor.

The 100 kW hybrid solar power plant, equipped with batteries of 102.4 kWh capacity, will power 17 wells at the water intake facility. In the event of an emergency outage, the energy storage system will ensure that water continues to be supplied to the city for another four hours.

“It is essential for us that critical infrastructure continues to function no matter what – even under constant enemy attacks on the energy system and attempts to break the resilience of Ukrainians. That is why, alongside our projects ‘100 Solar Schools’ and ‘50 Solar Hospitals’, we have added another focus – ‘Solar Water Utilities’. After all, water is one of the most vital resources for sustaining families, communities, and the nation,” – said Yuliana Onishchuk, CEO & Founder of Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation.

“We are very glad that we were able to support Energy Act for Ukraine in this project. Our energy initiatives are pilot projects. At present, we are supporting two water utilities – one here in Kirovohrad region and another in Kharkiv region. This line of work is yet another way to help people cover their basic needs and become more resilient. The absence of water is felt almost immediately – so if people do not notice any lack of water in their homes, even during power outages, that will be the best result of this project,” – said Vitaliy Savych, Energy Advisor at Mercy Corps.

The solar power plant in Kirovohrad region is expected to generate about 141.45 MWh of electricity annually, enabling the community to save more than €24,000 each year on electricity bills. In addition, the plant carries an important environmental mission: over 25 years of operation, it will reduce CO₂ emissions by nearly 44 tons, which is equivalent to planting 2,200 trees.

In 2024–2025, due to russian attacks on the energy sector, the settlement where the solar plant was installed under the “Solar Water Utilities” project recorded 138 water supply outages, amounting to a total of 590 hours without water. To at least partially stabilize the situation, the community had to use 7,840 liters of fuel for generators, which cost an additional ₴700,000. By contrast, in just its first month of operation, the newly installed solar power plant has already helped save over ₴160,000.

Water and electricity are the foundation of life and resilience for every community. These are exactly the things the enemy seeks to deprive Ukrainians of, stripping away the basic conditions for everyday existence. Yet, thanks to the initiatives of Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation – which implements projects to install solar power plants in hospitals, schools, and water utilities with the support of international donors – Ukrainians can continue to live, learn, receive medical care, and work even in the most difficult times.

Every solar power plant launched is not just the energy of light, but also the energy of hope. It is a small victory for everyone involved – another ray in our larger struggle for freedom, independence, and peace in Ukraine.