Norwegian-funded solar panels to provide life-saving electricity in Ukraine

During today’s visit to Kharkiv, Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion Tonje Brenna saw first-hand the widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes in the area. Kharkiv has been subject to constant and systematic air attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

‘It is unsettling to see the devastation and hear people’s accounts of daily life in a country at war. People here are contending with Russian attacks every day. Helping to ensure that eight hospitals are now able to provide treatment to the local population is an important contribution,’ said Mr Eide. 

Russia’s attacks on Kharkiv seriously damaged the city’s energy system. During the autumn and winter of 2024, the city experienced daily power outages, with major consequences for the civilian population. The blackouts disrupted the operation of hospitals and schools, which also serve as bomb shelters. The hospitals reported malfunctions in critical medical equipment, problems with the water supply in operating theatres and interruptions in laboratory operations.   

‘The attacks left schools being used as shelters without electricity, and they couldn’t be used as safe spaces for people seeking refuge. Helping to enable hospitals to provide medical assistance and schools to stay open is crucial for the local population, which continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience,’ said Ms Brenna.

The schools in Kharkiv play a vital role in emergency situations and daily life. The five schools all serve as bomb shelters and provide back-up electricity, communication services, heating, water, internet access and basic medical help to more than 700 people. Three of the schools also have a humanitarian role, operating kitchens that cater to a population in a vulnerable situation.

‘Solar energy production and energy storage make it possible to prepare food even when there is a power outage. This enhances local resilience and is a great help to the civilian population. It is also important in promoting energy independence and the green transition,’ said Mr Eide.

In 2024 alone, Kharkiv experienced at least 318 targeted attacks by Russian forces, including 128 missile attacks, 170 guided aerial bomb attacks and 59 drone attacks on the city’s critical infrastructure. Moreover, some 447 000 internally displaced people are living in the region.

The funding from Norway for solar panels for hospitals and schools is being provided in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The hospital that Mr Eide and Ms Brenna visited today provides critical care to patients with coronary heart disease and is a training centre for future cardiologists. On sunny days, the newly installed solar power plant will meet up to 100 % of the hospital’s electricity needs.

‘Norway’s support to Ukraine has been endorsed by all the parties in the Storting. Today, we had the chance to see for ourselves how some of our funds are being used, a small but important part of our overall contribution. The solar panels help to provide the hospitals with a sustainable energy supply and reduce dependence on external energy sources. In addition to the energy benefits, the project will have a significant economic impact at the local level,’ said Ms Brenna.

The hospital treats more than 11 000 patients every year. This pilot project, which has been made possible by the funding from Norway, will be used as a model to pave the way for the introduction of decentralised renewable energy solutions in other city hospitals and schools.