Vladyslav Sokolovsky, Chairman of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine, took part in a live broadcast on the “Pryamyi” TV channel, where he discussed the current state of the energy system after massive Russian attacks, the role of distributed generation, and the need for continued state support for the development of renewable energy.
In a conversation with the journalist, Vladyslav Sokolovsky noted that despite the large-scale destruction of the energy system since 2022, Ukrainian energy specialists continue to ensure stable grid operation and prevent a nationwide blackout. According to him, at least 50% of the energy infrastructure has been destroyed during this period, and the primary task today is restoring substations and transmission systems that allow electricity to be transported from nuclear and thermal power plants.
He placed a separate focus on the development of distributed generation — solar and wind power plants, gas piston units, and energy storage systems. In 2025, at least 800 MW of new solar power plants and 500 MWh of large-scale energy storage systems were commissioned in Ukraine, which is already helping stabilize the energy system under attack conditions.
The expert emphasized that to ensure stable grid operation, Ukraine needs at least an additional 4 GW of new generating capacity — the minimum necessary level to meet current demand.
“Electricity consumption has decreased by about 30%, but we still need an additional 4 GW of capacity”, Sokolovsky noted.
Among the key sources of recovery is international financial and technical assistance. As the SEAU Chairman highlighted, equipment for restoring substations and grids is being supplied to Ukrenergo, and private companies — particularly large energy holdings — are also raising credit resources.
With the support of the World Bank and the EBRD, a large-scale financing project for new distributed generation based on renewable energy — solar, wind, and energy storage — is being prepared and is expected to launch in 2026.
In addition, the expert emphasized the importance of tax incentives for energy equipment imports introduced in July 2024. According to Sokolovsky, these incentives made it possible to promptly commission new solar and BESS projects and rapidly strengthen the resilience of the energy system.
Another topic of discussion was the implementation of European energy legislation and Ukraine’s preparation for the integration of the electricity market with the EU, including the introduction of market coupling expected in 2027. To achieve this, regulatory harmonization, removal of price caps, and the expansion of interconnectors are required.
Sokolovsky pointed out that the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) has already taken the first steps — increasing price caps during peak hours:
“Two months ago, NEURC increased the price caps during peak hours to UAH 15,000 — this is in line with European market rules”.
The SEAU Chairman confirmed that financing for the Public Service Obligations (PSO) for renewable energy is included in Ukrenergo’s transmission tariff, which aligns with European practice and ensures the state fulfils its commitments to producers. The PSO will remain in place until the completion of “green tariff” payments in the coming years.
“The transmission tariff is currently about UAH 686 per MWh, and it includes support for renewable energy sources”, Sokolovsky added.
The Solar Energy Association of Ukraine welcomes media attention to the topic of energy system recovery and emphasizes that the development of renewable energy, distributed generation, and energy storage systems are key tools for Ukraine’s energy resilience during the war and the backbone of post-war modernization.