As Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine, the country’s fight for independence extends beyond the battlefield to the power grid. Achieving energy independence through renewable sources is not only crucial for the country’s survival today but will shape Ukraine’s resilience and benefit its economic future for decades, 

Decentralisation: A Lifeline Amid War

Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has suffered relentless destruction. Russian forces targeted power facilities, aiming to weaken the country during the harsh winter. Over the past two years, Russia has launched over 25 large-scale assaults and thousands of individual strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector, firing more than 1,400 missiles of various types and hundreds of attack drones. 

This onslaught has forced many Ukrainian cities to seek alternative electricity generation methods. Renewable energy has emerged as a crucial solution, reducing reliance on large energy hubs and a vulnerable centralized grid.

For instance, the city of Zhytomyr’s plans to switch to 100% renewable energy by 2050 are already taking shape, with local authorities installing solar plants and energy-efficient measures to combat missile attacks that have ravaged national infrastructure. 

In Vinnytsia Oblast, five microgrids have been established through a collaboration between Vinnytsiaoblenergo and a small hydroelectric power plant operator. These self-sustaining energy zones can generate power independently and provide electricity to neighbouring areas in the event of a total blackout. 

At Khmelnytsky National University, a robust microgrid has been developed, featuring a 140kW cogeneration unit, 263.5kW solar plants, a 100kW diesel power plant, and a 3900 kW gas boiler house. The system is supported by its own cable lines, fibre optic communications, a computer network, intelligent electricity metering, and a control room for real-time monitoring. Dozens of similar examples can be found across Ukraine. 

The Importance of Investment and International Support

Investment and international support are critical to the success of renewable energy projects at the local level, which thrive on decentralization and active citizen participation. A vital tool in this process is energy cooperatives, which bring local residents together, allowing them to invest in renewable energy sources and receive a share of the profits.

International backing is pivotal in helping Ukrainian cities transition to renewable energy. The “Renewable Energy for Sustainable Ukraine” project, funded by German GIZ, already delivers solutions to communities. 

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has committed €4.5 billion to renewable energy projects, including solar power and biofuel plants. Additional support is coming from global players like the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is set to fund four new wind and battery projects.

Meanwhile, the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine, created at the European Commission’s request, has mobilized €500 million to restore damaged infrastructure and aid the transition to renewable energy.

The Ukrainian government’s Affordable Loans 5-7-9% initiative provides financing for apartment building co-owner associations to install solar panels. This not only boosts energy security but also generates new jobs, strengthening the economy while promoting renewable energy adoption. 

Technological Challenges and Economic Barriers

One of the primary obstacles to decentralized energy generation is the limited access to modern technologies. Small Ukrainian communities, in particular, often struggle to implement innovative solutions like battery systems for energy storage or distributed generation, limiting their ability to meet energy needs with renewable energy sources. 

Financing remains another hurdle. The war has made investment access more complex, with financial institutions facing higher risks. To help improve the investment climate, many governments like the USA have offered loan guarantees, often in a successful effort to boost their own economies. Despite this international support, the demand for financing renewable energy far outweighs available resources, especially for small towns that need help with infrastructure upgrades.

Oligopolies in the energy market further complicate things. A few large companies, both private and state-owned, control most of Ukraine’s energy capacity, stifling competition and limiting small projects. Ukraine must introduce reforms that empower local energy cooperatives and producers to break the hold of oligopolies on the energy market. Legislative measures, such as incentives for small-scale renewable projects, will democratise energy production and ensure that small towns can generate their own power. 

Economic challenges also persist. The constant destruction of energy infrastructure drains resources that could otherwise be invested in renewable projects. As a result, many cities are forced to prioritise rebuilding essential energy systems, such as substations or heating plants,  over advancing renewable energy efforts, leaving these vital projects on the sidelines.

Energy Sustainability as a Strategic Goal

Achieving energy sustainability through decentralized renewable sources is now critical for both economic stability and strategic security. With energy infrastructure under constant threat, Ukraine understands the urgent need for a decentralised, resilient energy system.

This shift will reduce infrastructure vulnerability, create new jobs, attract investment and accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the EU. It will also ensure sustainable community development while preserving environmental resources.  

Ukrainian cities and communities are already making significant strides in building a sustainable, energy-independent future. The adoption of solar, wind, and energy storage technologies is becoming central to Ukraine’s post-war development and long-term sustainability. 

For Ukraine, achieving energy sustainability is a matter of survival and will enormously improve its economic outlook. But it’s also a critical step toward a cleaner, stronger, more resilient Europe. International partners must continue to support Ukraine’s renewable revolution, as it is pivotal to the country’s recovery, Europe’s energy security, and the world’s shared climate goals.