“SOLAR GUARD OF COMMUNITIES” HAS BEEN CREATED IN UKRAINE

On April 22, representatives of state authorities and the public publicly presented a unique multi-complex project – the all-Ukrainian public-state initiative “Solar Guard of Communities”.

The presentation began with a speech by the moderator – Yulia Usenko, Head of the All-Ukrainian Agency for Investment and Sustainable Development. Ms. Yulia noted that in the conditions of war and the existing capacity deficit of the general energy system of Ukraine, we understand that strengthening energy stability in the regions and energy security are priorities for national security and strategy. That is why such an initiative as “Solar Guard of Communities” is extremely relevant.

 

 

Zhanna Patsyora, the organizer of the initiative and President of the Public Union “Business for Partnership”, further explained the details. According to her, “Solar Guard of Communities” is a state-public platform that combines different spheres into a single strategic direction – energy independence of Ukraine. There is no single leader in this initiative – each partner is a leader in their area of ​​responsibility. We act as equal participants in a joint process – someone forms educational solutions, someone creates policies, someone provides access to financial mechanisms, and someone implements changes directly in communities. It is this model of horizontal partnership that is the basis of our sustainability and effectiveness. In general, the project has three key areas: the “Solar Community” competition, educational events for communities, and short-term training programs for veterans, which will be developed together with the Ministry of Education and Science and implemented in communities that will participate in pilot projects. Such training programs will include preparatory courses on installation and operation of solar power plants, as well as programs on the basics of entrepreneurship. The implementation period of the first stage is April-August 2025, the implementation area is Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Zakarpattia and Kyiv regions. During this period, it is planned to install more than 20 solar power plants, as well as involve more than 300 veterans and about 200 communities.

 

Oleksandr SLOBOZHAN, Executive Director of the All-Ukrainian Association of Local Governments “Association of Cities of Ukraine”, spoke about how much this new initiative is in demand and relevant among communities. Many years ago, energy saving and the use of renewable energy were mostly an image trend for communities, today it has become a necessity for survival. To be specific, thanks to the “Solar Guard of Communities”, the opening of production and maintenance of solar power plants by even one newly created individual entrepreneur is not only the result of the socialization of a veteran, but also a new source for receiving taxes to the local budget. At the end of his speech, Mr. Oleksandr wished all participants of the initiative to focus on the positive and called on them to actively share the project’s successes with the wider public.

 

In turn, Taras TARASENKO, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans’ Rights, noted that virtually all modern civilization is built on electricity. Since the full-scale invasion, our state has realized that it is necessary to change political approaches to the use of energy resources. He is convinced that small communities are quite capable of providing themselves with electricity, but international experience must be used. The state must promptly create conditions for a new ecosystem of energy independence. If we talk about specialists who will implement this new ecosystem, then there are currently two draft laws that will contribute to this, these are:

– The draft law on veteran entrepreneurship, which provides for separate conditions for financing veteran businesses;

– The draft law on vocational education, which is very promising for our society. Short-term courses for veterans will help them quickly change their profession and gain economic independence. According to Mr. Taras, “Solar Guard of Communities” will be a practical incentive for making adjustments to the regulatory framework.

 

Farkhad FARKHADOV, Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, assured that the Ministry fully supports all initiatives related to the adaptation of veterans to civilian life. Regarding the professional retraining of veterans, the Ministry works according to two strategies:

– A veteran policy strategy that touches on all areas;

– A strategy for returning from military service to civilian life, which includes professional adaptation. According to Resolution No. 432, veterans can apply to structural units of regional military administrations for reimbursement of expenses related to retraining.

 

Hanna ZAMAZEYEVA, Head of the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, named the state’s three main goals related to energy, which are:

– Reduction of energy consumption;

– Increasing renewable energy sources and alternative fuels;

– Reduction of CO2 emissions.

Just “Solar Guard of Communities” will contribute to the implementation of the last two goals. But energy substitution at the community level will contribute to saving local budgets. Ms. Hanna also gave an example that central executive bodies spend UAH 16.5 billion from the state budget on utilities every year, communities – more than UAH 70 billion. However, energy-efficient measures will save almost 50% of the budget if approached thoroughly. Yes, the initial investments are quite significant, but it is for such purposes that the Decarbonization Fund was created, thanks to which you can quickly receive investments on credit or leasing terms without the requirement to provide expensive project documentation.

 

Lyudmila GARMASH, Head of the Department of Educational Content and Organization of the Educational Process of the Directorate of Vocational Education of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, noted that in fact, even a small partnership can now bring enormous benefits to each interested party: students, teachers, companies and the country’s economy as a whole. Today, the state is very interested in training qualified workers in the field of energy efficiency, especially taking into account the needs of post-war reconstruction. To this end, the Ministry of Education and Science is closely cooperating with partners to introduce new educational programs to expand opportunities for practical training and conduct career guidance activities. According to Ms. Lyudmila, vocational education should be practical, and the Ministry is already developing and approving state educational standards for specific professions based on standards provided by the employer. Over four years, more than 5 thousand people have been trained in the field of energy efficiency (these are programs on thermal modernization, thermal insulation, roofing installation work and heat pump operation). This year, 62 vocational education institutions were involved in the implementation of the energy efficiency project and 7 short-term training programs were introduced.

 

Dmytro CHEYCHUK, Deputy Chairman of the Buchanan City Council, emphasized that every community definitely needs an energy efficiency plan that provides an understanding of what was done yesterday, what to do today and tomorrow, and how to balance everything. Communities should calculate their financial resources and, most importantly, decide who will conduct a full audit and analysis of the energy system and will be able to help communities choose the best and most effective solutions. Today, the Buchanan community has about 350 kV of generation, which provides the needs of social facilities of the community and critical infrastructure facilities. About 15 solar power plants are currently being developed in the Buchanan district, and representatives of the city council regularly share their own experience with others.

 

Yulia KOVALENKO, President of the NGO “Ukraine 2.0”, co-founder of the “Veterans-the Way Home” Project, noted that veterans should be involved in real projects in the communities to which they return. When we talk about the integration of a veteran, we do not mean charity, assistance or subjectivity. The veteran begins to act as an architect of change, he becomes a driver and generator of economic resources. And we must provide the tools for its implementation (grants, preferential lending and taxation, etc.). And under such conditions, a veteran, having left the combat zone, will be able to find a new mission for himself in the development of renewable energy systems.

 

Lyubava RADIYCHUK, Senior Project Manager for Energy Efficiency of the Reform Support Office Team under the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, expressed support for the all-Ukrainian public-state initiative “Solar Guard of Communities” and emphasized the comprehensiveness of its approach, as the project describes the components that make it possible to put everything together into a single puzzle so that energy-efficient projects can scale and develop in the future. We must talk about communities that know their needs, about equipment and specialists who can meet these needs. “Solar Guard of Communities” is a kind of pioneer in this area, since there have been pilots for installing solar panels, communities see that it is necessary, that this is support for critical infrastructure. However, such a comprehensive approach has not yet been implemented, so the initiative will have many challenges and risks, but it is very valuable in terms of providing data for future projects, communities will see their importance, and in monetary terms as well. Finally, Ms. Lyubava wished success and expressed hope that everything will move very smoothly and very effectively!

 

Natalia MIRANOVYCH, Director of GreenBuilding, sincerely thanked for the opportunity to become part of such an important initiative as the Solar Watch of the Community project. It is a great honor for the company to participate in the financing and implementation of a project that has not only an energy but also a deep social goal. GreenBuilding is a business that is aware of its responsibility to society. The company purposefully invests part of its profits in projects that strengthen communities, create new opportunities for people, support veterans, and contribute to the country’s energy independence.

Ms. Natalia is convinced that the development of Ukraine cannot be imagined without the active participation of business. and today’s event is a vivid confirmation of how the combined efforts of the state, business and community can create real changes. It is important that the “Solar Watch of the Community” is a project not only about electricity, but also about people. It will open up new opportunities for youth and veterans, help to gain new knowledge, work and faith in one’s own strength.

The company is ready to share its experience, technologies, and knowledge and is proud to be able to contribute to the development of renewable energy and support Ukrainian communities.

May the “Solar Watch of Communities” bring light — literally and figuratively — to our cities and villages, our economy, and the lives of everyone who has joined this important cause.

The Public Union “Business for Partnership” thanks everyone who was interested in our new project, and invites you to follow the further steps of its implementation and join in. The sun is nearby – just take part!

Reference:

The organizers of the initiative are the Public Union “Business for Partnership” and the All-Ukrainian Association of Local Governments “Association of Cities of Ukraine”.

The project will be implemented with the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Support and Reform Team under the Ministry of Development, the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, the Decarbonization Fund of Ukraine, Greenbuilding LLC and GmbH “KACO New Energy”