The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have provided the city of Mykolaiv with 36 autonomous solar power systems, the EU Delegation to Ukraine announced on 24 November. These solar panels are set to be installed on the rooftops of non-residential municipal buildings, including central heating stations and boiler houses, to support the city’s water supply systems serving approximately 440,000 residents.
During a visit to Mykolaiv, Peter M. Wagner, Head of the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, emphasized the significance of the EU’s support in enhancing Ukraine’s energy resilience. He noted that developing decentralized and reliable energy systems is crucial for communities to withstand shocks and maintain essential services, particularly amid Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure and recurring power outages.
Mykola Marinov, Deputy Head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, highlighted the importance of ensuring access to safe drinking water. He explained that equipping water treatment stations with autonomous solar systems will bolster resilience and help safeguard the community during challenging periods.
The EU and UNDP are working together to support the recovery of Ukraine’s energy sector by combining EU funding with UNDP’s on-the-ground expertise. This collaboration aims to deliver critical equipment, provide technical assistance, and implement capacity-building programs to strengthen local energy infrastructure and service delivery.
