Solar power boosts water supply in Chortkiv, Ukraine

A newly installed cluster of 40 solar panels now powers two water pumps, ensuring a reliable water supply to one of Chortkiv's densely populated areas in Ukraine's Ternopil region. This setup supports the water needs of 4,600 residents out of Chortkiv's total population of over 28,000, drawing water from depths of up to 100 metres.

The Jinko Tiger 345 solar panels were generously donated by the Swiss company Helion earlier this year. Their delivery was assisted by the Energy Community’s Ukraine Support Task Force in collaboration with Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and local authorities.

This initiative forms a key component of the ‘Sunny Chortkiv’ project, aimed at securing uninterrupted essential services for all residents of the city. Future plans include the installation of solar panels on critical municipal buildings, including the local hospital, children’s rehabilitation centre, fresh water supply unit, and sewage treatment plant.

The community has resources to install two similar ground-based SPPs (7.5 and 18 kW) at 2 community pumping stations to generate 29,000 kW per year. They would need a 110-kW inverter and two inverters for 5 and 15 kW, preferably of the hybrid type with smart meter functions. If they receive the necessary equipment this summer, two more projects will be implemented this year, further increasing the energy resilience of the Chortkiv community’s critical infrastructure and water supply.     

“We thank Helion for their support in our efforts to develop decentralised power generation in Ukraine. This is a real case of the Secretariat’s role in facilitating Ukraine’s green recovery,” says Adam Balogh, Head of the Ukraine Support Task Force Unit at the Energy Community Secretariat.

Established in early March 2022, the Ukraine Support Task Force (USTF) assists Ukraine with door-to-door delivery of specialised energy equipment, fuels, and materials needed to repair infrastructure damaged during the war. So far USTF has facilitated 144 in-kind donations and channeled over 5,600 tons of energy-related equipment from over 100 donors across 24 countries to Ukraine.

Helion solar panels, with a combined capacity of 315 kW, have been transported from Switzerland to Ukraine through the UCPM, with assistance from the ERCC, the Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure, and support from the German authorities. This initiative aims to support decentralised, renewable energy production, contribute to green recovery efforts, and enhance the security of power supply within the municipality.