Ukraine’s energy system under pressure
Ukraine is entering its fourth heating season during the war with only 17.6 GW of available generation capacity — three times less than the 55 GW available before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Despite this, the Ministry of Energy assures there will be no collapse thanks to backup equipment, reinforced infrastructure protection, and decentralized generation projects.
In 2025, 194 MW of new capacity have already been commissioned, with more than 380 MW planned by year’s end.
Against this backdrop, manufacturing companies are accelerating investments in energy autonomy. One example is the Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant (MZMV, IDS Ukraine group), which in May commissioned a 1.4 MW solar power plant (SPP).
Why solar won over gas
Initially, MZMV considered two autonomy options:
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Gas cogeneration plant (1.8 MW): would provide 24/7 independence, at a cost of electricity three times cheaper than grid prices.
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Solar power plant with inverters (1.4 MW): dependent on daylight and weather, but without external fuel needs.
Calculations shifted when Russia intensified strikes on gas infrastructure and fields, creating shortages and pushing up costs. The gas project’s estimated budget doubled, while its payback period exceeded eight years.
By contrast, the solar project cost €530,000, with a 2.5-year payback and annual savings of €150,000–200,000.
“Using our own generation, we reduce the load on the city’s system and free up electricity for the community during peak loads and outages,” explained Konstantin Kryazhev, head of MZMV.
How the solar plant works
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Installed on 2 hectares of factory land.
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Directly connected to Ukrenergo’s main grid, bypassing local distributors.
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Includes substation reconstruction and 3.5 km of new cable lines.
The SPP now powers production, cutting electricity costs, and has potential to sell surplus energy on the market as a prosumer. Negotiations are underway with Poltavaenergozbut for purchase agreements.
Beyond generation: imports and conservation
MZMV has also:
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Secured a license to import electricity, allowing flexible purchases during deficits.
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Benefited from hourly imports despite higher EU-border tariffs, stabilizing costs between ₴6–24 per kWh.
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Launched an energy efficiency strategy that will expand post-war, including modern equipment and conservation programs.
Future plans:
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Energy storage systems (batteries), with an estimated cost of over €1 million.
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Possible distributed gas generation, if conditions become more favorable.
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Upgrading to next-generation solar panels to increase output without expanding land use.
Key takeaway
The Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant’s case illustrates the new wartime calculus for Ukrainian industry:
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Gas autonomy remains attractive on paper but is vulnerable to infrastructure attacks and supply risks.
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Solar power, despite natural limitations, offers cost savings, quick payback, and independence from fuel logistics.
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The future of industrial energy autonomy will likely combine solar, storage, and possibly gas, underpinned by efficiency measures.
✅ Bottom line: In wartime Ukraine, energy decisions are not just about cost — they are about resilience, community support, and survival.
