Kharkiv, Ukraine, 27 March 2025 – The Government of Norway, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has taken a significant step in bolstering Ukraine's energy resilience with the handover of crucial energy equipment to a hospital in the eastern city of Kharkiv.

Kharkiv Municipal Clinical Hospital No. 8 has been provided with a hybrid solar power plant. This modern facility will provide uninterrupted electricity to the hospital, benefiting approximately 11,000 individuals and ensuring reliable healthcare services.

Officials from the Norwegian government and from UNDP visited Kharkiv on 27 March to formally hand over the equipment and inspect the results of the sustainable energy initiative.

The installation of hybrid solar power plants reduces reliance on the national power grid and diesel generators, which hospitals use during outages. With solar plants to be installed in seven more hospitals and five schools, the expected annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions could be as much as 500 tons. 

The energy storage systems will provide up to three hours of autonomous operation during complete power outages, ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of operating rooms, intensive care units, resuscitation departments, centralized oxygen supply systems, and medical equipment critical for neonatal and cardiovascular patient care.

Olha Romanenko, the director of the hospital, thanked the Norwegian and UNDP officials for their support: “Reliable access to electricity ensures the uninterrupted provision of vital healthcare services,” Romanenko said. “We’re deeply grateful to the Government of Norway and UNDP for this crucial support, which is not only improving patient care but also bolstering the resilience of our community during these challenging times.”

Visiting Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide underlined the importance of a stable energy supply for the hospital: “With solar energy production and energy storage, it is possible for hospitals to operate continuously even during general power outages, which is vital for providing intensive care and when carrying out surgical operations,” he said. “This is also important for energy independence and green transition,” the minister added.

Mayor of Kharkiv Igor Terekhov also highlighted the impact the provision of the solar power plant would have on the hospital and the wider community, and expressed gratitude for the support from Norway and UNDP. “Kharkiv has faced immense challenges, and reliable access to energy is paramount for our recovery and the well-being of our citizens,” Terekhov said. “This support from Norway and UNDP is a critical lifeline, ensuring our hospitals can provide essential care. We’re profoundly grateful for this partnership.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers added: “This collaborative initiative, bringing together the expertise of UNDP, Norway, and the local authorities, demonstrates the power of partnerships in supporting recovery and creating more sustainable and equitable outcomes. We’re committed to supporting long-term development and building a better future for Ukraine."

During the visit to the hospital, a mural symbolizing the partnership between Ukraine and Norway was unveiled. The artwork, created by Ukrainian illustrator Yulia Vus, depicts a blossoming city powered by renewable energy, featuring solar panels and wind turbines representing sustainable energy. 

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, commenting at the unveiling of the mural, said the artwork symbolizes the strong partnership between Norway and Ukraine in building a sustainable energy future. “We're proud to support Ukraine's efforts in creating resilient and equitable energy access for all,” he said. “It is vital to have an alternative energy supply for operating theatres and intensive care departments during power outages.”

Background:

The Government of Norway and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating closely to support Ukraine's energy sector recovery. This partnership combines Norway's significant funding with UNDP's operational expertise on the ground to deliver critical equipment, technical assistance, and capacity building programmes aimed at building a resilient and sustainable energy future for Ukraine. 

Media inquiries:

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Communications Team Leader, yuliia.samus@undp.org