The Chairman of the Board of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (SEAU), Vladyslav Sokolovskyi, served as moderator of the panel “Efficient Energy in Livestock Farming” during the Ukrainian Livestock Summit 2025, organized by ProAgro Information Company on October 17.
The panel featured presentations from:
- Denys Matviichuk, Head of Sales at Ecotech Ukraine, on “How Businesses Can Reduce Risks and Costs: Case Studies of Solar Power Plants and Energy Storage Systems”;
- Vladyslav Shevchenko, Commercial and Marketing Director at Helios Strategia, with a report on “Energy as a Business Asset: How the Agricultural Sector Can Earn, Not Just Save.”
The discussion brought together representatives of the agricultural sector, energy companies, investors, and experts interested in introducing renewable energy technologies in livestock farming and agricultural production.
In his opening remarks, Vladyslav Sokolovskyi outlined the central theme of the discussion — “Agrovoltaics and the Prospects for Solar Power Plants and Energy Storage Systems in Livestock Farming.”
He emphasized that solar energy in agriculture is not only about ecology, but also about energy independence, cost reduction, and business stability.
“A few years ago, installing solar power plants (PV stations) was seen as a ‘green’ initiative to combat climate change. But today, the focus has shifted. The sun is no longer just a symbol of sustainability — today, it literally pays the bills. Solar energy has become a tool for energy security and business development,” emphasized Vladyslav Sokolovskyi, Chairman of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (SEAU).
Sokolovskyi noted that agrivoltaics represents the agricultural future of Ukraine, combining food production with clean energy generation.
“Agrivoltaics allows farmers to grow crops and generate electricity simultaneously. Solar modules are installed above fields or pastures, preserving moisture, providing shade, and creating comfortable conditions for livestock. This approach is not an experiment but a proven global practice. In Germany, France, Italy, and Japan, agrivoltaics is already an integral part of national energy strategies,” he explained.
The speaker also focused on the economic advantages and accessibility of modern technologies:
“Today, solar energy is no longer about long payback periods. With global solar equipment prices down by 90% over the past decade and tax incentives in Ukraine, entering renewable energy in 2025 has become 20–25% more affordable. This means even a small farm can achieve energy independence within two to three years.”
An essential component of modern agro-energy systems, Sokolovskyi added, is energy storage (BESS), which ensures stable and uninterrupted farm operations.
“Energy storage systems allow farmers to store excess energy during the day, use it at night, power cooling units, pumps, and climate control systems — or even sell stored energy to the market. This is a new level of control and flexibility for agribusiness,” he emphasized.
The SEAU Chairman also noted that Ukraine has already laid the groundwork for agrivoltaic development through state support and legislative initiatives.
“As an Association, we advocate for further improvements to the regulatory framework that will enable farmers to attract investment, access ‘green’ financing, and implement projects without excessive bureaucratic barriers,” he stated.
“The future of farming is energy-independent. We already have a new generation of farmers who grow crops or manage livestock while also generating electricity. The agricultural sector is gradually becoming a foundation of Ukraine’s energy independence,” concluded Sokolovskyi.
The Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (SEAU) emphasizes that the development of agrovoltaics, solar power plants, and energy storage systems is vital for strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector. These technologies help farmers reduce energy costs, ensure production stability, and make agriculture an active participant in Ukraine’s energy transition.
“We are pleased to see that the topics of agrovoltaics, decentralized generation, and BESS are becoming central to major agricultural discussions. This shows that the energy future of the agri-sector is being shaped here and now — through the joint efforts of business, experts, and the state”, — concluded Mr. Sokolovskyi.