On the eve of the Christmas holidays, the Chervona Shpochka (Little Red Riding Hood) kindergarten in the village of Mykhailivka-Rubezhivka, Bucha district, received an autonomous solar system as part of an international campaign ‘Renewables4Ukraine’ initiated by the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) and the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association (UWEA). Almost thirty solar photovoltaic modules with a total capacity of 16.6 kW were installed on the roof of the kindergarten building.
The installed solar system, which includes a group of 45 kW batteries, ensures a stable power supply to the facility during power outages. For children, this means well-lit rooms, warmth, and the opportunity to learn, play, and stay in a safe environment without interruptions. For the community, it is a practical example of how decentralised renewable energy works in real war conditions.
Lyudmila Petrenko, director of the Chervona Shapochka kindergarten: ‘In the village, the electricity is turned off according to a schedule, and they (ed. photovoltaic system) automatically switch on, so the facility has light all the time. And when the light comes on, they automatically turn off.’
What is particularly valuable is that the project was made possible thanks to the direct support of the owners of the wind park Druiberg in the German city of Dardesheim, who allocated part of their income to the installation of a solar system for a Ukrainian kindergarten.
Andriy Konechenkov, Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association: ‘It is within the framework of this international campaign that the World Wind Energy Association is reaching out to various people and communities who are raising money to help Ukraine not only partially solve the issue of electricity supply, but first and foremost to show that solar and wind energy are precisely the energy resources that all Ukrainians can use without having to purchase electricity or fight for these energy sources.’
Since the start of the full-scale war, ten similar solar projects have already been implemented in the Irpin and Borodianka communities as part of the #Renewables4Ukraine campaign.
Stefan Gsänger, Secretary General, WWEA: ‘While we hope for a lasting and just peace for the people of Ukraine, who are still enduring very difficult times, we are pleased that, with the support of our international donors, we can make a small contribution to easing the daily life of the children, teachers, and parents at this kindergarten. May the children see this solar energy system as a sign and symbol of international solidarity, peace, and sustainability.’
Such practical solutions are laying the foundation for Ukraine’s energy-independent, decentralized, and sustainable energy system.
The system was installed by Green System Group, an expert in the construction of solar power plants and uninterruptible power supply systems, as well as a member of the UWEA.
We sincerely thank all partners and donors who are joining the international campaign #Renewables4Ukraine. The light they help to preserve holds significance that extends far beyond the limits of a single institution — it contributes to Ukraine’s future.
Stefan Gsänger, Secretary General, WWEA: ‘For many of us, Christmas is a very special time of the year. It stands for hope and peace, for light that drives away the darkness – just as this solar set will provide light in difficult times. May the message of Christmas reach not only the children of this kindergarten, but all children in Ukraine – and everywhere on our planet.’
Report on Ukrainian TV: https://youtu.be/QzEthCf-YNg
