The “Chervona Shapochka” (“Little Red Riding Hood”) kindergarten in the village of Mykhailivka-Rubezhivka, Bucha district, received an off-grid solar system ahead of the Christmas holidays as part of the 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 photovoltaic system, which also includes a battery bank with a capacity of 45 kW, ensures a stable electricity supply to the facility during hours of outages. For the 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 under the real conditions of war.
Liudmyla Petrenko, director of the “Chervona Shapochka” kindergarten:
“In the village, electricity is switched off according to a schedule, and they (ed. – the photovoltaic system) automatically switch over by themselves, and the facility has light at all times. And when the electricity is turned back on, they switch off automatically.”
It is especially valuable that the project became possible thanks to the direct support of the owners of the Druiberg wind farm in the German town of Dardesheim, who directed part of their revenues to installing a solar system for a Ukrainian kindergarten.
Andriy Konechenkov, Chairman of the UWEA Board:
“It is precisely within the framework of this international campaign that the World Wind Energy Association appeals to various people and communities, who raise money in order to help Ukraine not just to partially resolve the issue of electricity supply, but, first and foremost, to show that solar energy and wind energy are exactly the energy resource that all Ukrainians can use – without buying this electricity, without fighting over 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 Gsanger, Secretary General of the WWEA:
“We hope for a lasting and just peace for the people of Ukraine, who are still going through very difficult times, and we are glad that, with the support of our international donors, we can make a small contribution to easing the everyday life of the children, teachers and parents of this kindergarten. May the children perceive this solar energy system as a sign and symbol of international solidarity, peace and sustainable development.”
It is precisely through such practical solutions that the foundation of an energy-independent, decentralised and resilient power system for Ukraine is formed.
The system was installed by Green System Group, a company that is an expert in the construction of solar power plants and uninterruptible power supply systems, and a member of UWEA.
We sincerely thank all the partners and donors who are joining the international #Renewables4Ukraine campaign. The light they help to preserve matters far beyond a single facility — it works for Ukraine’s future.
Stefan Gsanger, Secretary General of the WWEA:
“For many of us, Christmas is a special time of the year. It symbolises hope and peace, the light that dispels the darkness – just as this solar system will provide light in difficult times. May the message of Christmas reach not only the children of this kindergarten, but all the children of Ukraine and everywhere on our planet.”
