In Mykolaiv, Ukraine, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have delivered 36 autonomous solar power systems to ensure continuous access to safe drinking water for approximately 440,000 residents. The solar systems will be installed on municipal rooftops, including central heating stations and boiler houses, to support critical water supply infrastructure.
During a visit to Mykolaiv, Peter M. Wagner, Head of the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, emphasized the EU’s commitment to helping communities build decentralized and reliable energy systems capable of withstanding shocks and maintaining essential services, particularly amid ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Local officials highlighted the importance of these installations for community resilience. Mykola Marinov, Deputy Head of Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, stressed that solar-powered water treatment stations are vital for preventing humanitarian crises and ensuring access to safe drinking water. Dmytro Falko, Secretary of the Mykolaiv City Council, noted that the systems will allow water services to function independently of the main power grid, even during blackouts, safeguarding the city’s water supply.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Monica Rijal emphasized the role of energy security in Ukraine’s development, noting that the project exemplifies the impact of multilateral partnerships in supporting vulnerable communities. The installation of these solar systems forms part of a broader EU-UNDP effort to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience and deliver high-efficiency energy solutions through programs such as the Green Energy Recovery Programme.
Ukraine’s reconstruction, particularly in the energy sector, remains a significant challenge. The Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment estimates that EUR 66 billion will be needed for energy sector rehabilitation, highlighting the urgency of continued international support. Between 2022 and 2024, the EU and UNDP invested EUR 20 million to support early recovery in war-affected areas, including the restoration of critical infrastructure, provision of resilient energy supplies, and clearance of explosive ordnance.
The EU-UNDP collaboration in Ukraine combines significant funding with operational expertise to deliver technical assistance, equipment, and capacity-building programs. These efforts aim to build a resilient, sustainable energy future while ensuring that essential services, such as water access, remain available to communities in the face of ongoing challenges.
