Today (March 3, 2023) , by launching the project “Ray of hope” with Enel, the Commission is taking a first step as part of the wider initiative announced by President von der Leyen on donations of solar panels to Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv on February 2, 2023.
Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, the CEO of Enel, Francesco Starace, and Ukrainian Minister of Energy, German Galushchenko, met in hybrid format today to welcome Enel’s commitment to donate to Ukraine 5700 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels of 350 Watt each, for a total capacity of around 2 MW. The donated solar PV panels will cover up to 11400 square metres of roofs split among different public buildings in Ukraine. The delivery is set to take place by summer 2023.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Following my announcements in Kyiv one month ago, today we can announce that a first batch of solar panels will be delivered to Ukraine soon. I want to thank Enel which is donating 5,700 solar panels to Ukraine. These solar panels are produced in Europe, in Catania, with the support of the European Innovation Fund. They will provide electricity to schools, hospitals and fire departments. I am convinced that other European companies as well as Member States will be inspired by this first step, so that Ukraine can rely on clean electricity, produced at home.”
Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said: “This project starts a wider initiative to increase Ukraine’s energy security by developing their renewable capacities. It shows European solidarity in action and showcases how investment in clean tech manufacturing can make Europe more energy secure and independent. I am very grateful to Enel for this generous donation to Ukraine. Once again, Enel proves to be a frontrunner, not only as a company at the cutting edge of clean tech innovation, but also for its corporate social responsibility. We are proud that EU-produced solar panels will help increase energy security for schools, hospitals and other public buildings in Ukraine.”
This initiative is part of a wider effort undertaken by the EU to ensure off-grid solutions aimed at supplying electricity to key public civilian buildings in Ukraine. Following continued Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure, the EU is providing 5400 energy generators. The solar PV panels will play a similar role, as they will allow public buildings in Ukraine to rely on self-generated electricity.
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