Lithuanian solar company powers Odessa institutions with new Ukrainian project

Lithuanian solar energy company UAB Okata has completed a solar energy project in Ukraine, installing solar power plants with a total capacity of over 506 kWp, Lithuanian company Solet, which specializes in solar panels, told Euromaidan Press.

Assuming an average household uses about 10 kWh daily, this system could theoretically power approximately 162 homes or potentially 1-2 large schools or several smaller schools.

The project aims to provide electricity to five public institutions in the Odesa Oblast, including a children’s rehabilitation center and a central city hospital.

The initiative comes in response to the significant damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure caused by the Russian invasion that began in 2022. Russian missile attacks on energy infrastructure have led to constant power outages, especially in the winter, when the need for heating and energy is highest.

The newly installed solar power plants are expected to produce approximately 549,703 kWh annually, covering “about two-thirds of the electricity consumed in institutions.”

During the event dedicated to the project’s completion in September 2024, representatives from Lithuania and Ukraine emphasized that this project is an important step in decarbonizing and promoting the use of cleaner energy sources.

The Climate Change Programme, administered by Lithuania’s Environmental Project Management Agency, provided most of the funding. UAB Okata and its partners contributed “almost a third of the funds,” the company reports.

The UAB Okata initiated two projects in Ukraine. The total capacity of both solar power plants will reach just over 974 kWp, and the electricity generated will be used by 11 public institutions in Ukraine.

The installed solar power plants will produce about 1,062,931 kWh per year. This will ensure more than 76% of the electricity currently consumed by institutions.

Lithuania has been a steadfast ally to Ukraine, providing support in various sectors since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Lithuania’s Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas said in September that the country planned to provide an additional 40-50 million euros ($44-55 mn) in military aid to Ukraine this year. This new package would bring Lithuania’s total military aid to Ukraine for 2024 to over 200 million euros ($220 mn), with 153 million euros ($168 mn) already provided this year.

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