About the Project

RePower Ukraine Foundation has successfully implemented another critical project – installing an advanced solar power plant with energy storage system at Slobozhanske Hospital in Kharkiv region. This project ensures uninterrupted electricity supply for essential medical care amid ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and frequent power outages.

The hospital is located just 35 kilometers from the Russian border in northeastern Ukraine, where medical facilities face constant threats and challenges. This installation represents a vital step towards greater energy independence and reliable healthcare delivery in the frontline region.

Overview:

Slobozhanske Hospital:

• Serves approximately 50,000 patients annually across all departments
• Employs 200 medical staff members
• Houses family doctors, narrow specialists including dentist, ENT surgeon, traumatologist, ophthalmologist, and neurologist
• Operates a clinical diagnostic laboratory and X-ray department requiring continuous electricity
• Functions as the largest polyclinic department among hospital subdivisions
• Conducts routine medical examinations and preventive care
• Located in a strategic frontline area, providing essential healthcare to local communities

Challenges Before Solar Installation:

• Regular and prolonged blackouts lasting up to 18 hours per day since the start of the war
• Critical dependence on unreliable diesel generators consuming up to 10 liters per hour
• Unable to perform essential diagnostic procedures like ECGs during power outages
• Forced to transfer critical patients to Kharkiv, over 60 kilometers away
• Generator rationing requiring 2-3 hour operation periods with breaks to conserve fuel
• Complete dependency on centralized heating and electrical systems

Project Objectives

To provide Slobozhanske Hospital with autonomous and reliable electricity supply for uninterrupted operation of the outpatient polyclinic department, clinical diagnostic laboratory, and X-ray facilities, independent of the central power grid status.

Results:

A modern hybrid rooftop solar power plant was installed, guaranteeing stable electricity supply to the hospital’s ambulatory and polyclinic department, ensuring energy independence for critical medical services. The project was made possible through the generous support of UK companies and demonstrates international solidarity in supporting Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure.

Technical Specifications of the Solar Power Plant:

• Type: Hybrid / Rooftop with Battery Storage
• Installed electric capacity: 36.5 kWp (varying sources indicate 34-36.5 kW)
• Inverter capacity: 30 kW
• Battery energy storage system: 36 kWh
• Backup interface for seamless operation during grid outages

Project Context

This is the fourth RePower Ukraine project in Kharkiv region. Previously implemented:

• Rooftop solar power plant for Kharkiv Children’s Hospital No. 5 (palliative care unit)
• Solar installation for Kharkiv City Clinical Multidisciplinary Hospital No. 17
• Solar system for Kharkiv Regional Clinical Trauma Hospital

All projects aim to ensure energy resilience of the region’s critical medical infrastructure during wartime. These initiatives not only provide sustainable energy to frontline healthcare facilities but also demonstrate the UK renewable energy sector’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s energy independence and medical care continuity.

This initiative was made possible thanks to the partnership between RePower Ukraine Foundation and leading UK companies: Photon Energy (solar panels), Segen (inverters and battery storage system), Midsummer Energy, ESS, NextEnergy Capital, and Solar Energy UK. The £15,000 required for mounting systems, cabling, and installation was raised through successful fundraising campaigns, including charity runs covering the distance from Cambridge to Kharkiv. Local Ukrainian engineers performed the installation, supporting the local economy and ensuring long-term maintenance capabilities under wartime conditions.