Residents of the Psychoneurological Residential Care Facility in Mykolaiv Oblast will now benefit from a more stable and reliable power supply following the installation of a solar power station implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in partnership with the Ukrainian NGO Ecoclub, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The system was inaugurated in a joint event with partners and local stakeholders.
The facility provides long-term care for residents who rely on continuous electricity for daily living, including food preparation, hygiene, and medical support. Previous power outages caused by attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure disrupted operations, placing additional pressure on staff and residents. The new solar system now supports essential services such as the kitchen, bakery, and water supply, allowing the facility to continue operating during outages while reducing electricity costs and lowering carbon emissions.
Jakob Hansen, Head of the Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv, noted that the care facility is now fully energy-independent and will enjoy significant monthly savings. This solar installation is part of 27 energy projects at public institutions across Mykolaiv region funded by Denmark and implemented by DRC and Ecoclub, with long-term benefits expected for all participating institutions. In February, despite shorter daylight hours, the solar plant generated 6,101 kWh of electricity, saving the facility approximately 79,250 UAH.
The project was implemented in close cooperation with Ecoclub, which has installed 86 solar power plants since 2022. Ecoclub ensured the solution was adapted to local needs, improving living conditions for vulnerable residents by providing uninterrupted access to electricity, hot water, and freshly prepared meals. The project also contributes to broader community development, energy independence, and climate resilience.
Alexa Greenwald, DRC South Area Manager in Mykolaiv, highlighted that supporting Ukrainian organisations to lead such initiatives strengthens local capacity and ensures critical services continue without interruption. Across Mykolaiv Oblast and other frontline regions, ongoing damage to energy infrastructure affects access to basic services, making renewable energy solutions essential for continuity.
The installed solar system has a capacity of 108.29 kW with 204.8 kWh of battery storage. It is expected to generate approximately 144,576 kWh annually, leading to estimated savings of 1,301,184 UAH per year. The total cost for design, documentation, and construction was 5,539,700.80 UAH, with an expected payback period of 4.25 years.
