A north eastern Ukrainian hospital, on the frontline of the conflict with Russia, has been equipped with solar power following the involvement of UK energy firms.

Solar panel installer Photon Energy and renewable energy technology firm Segen have worked with charity RePower Ukraine on the project at Slobozhanske hospital.

This has seen solar panels donated by Photon Energy and inverters and batteries donated by Segen.

Since Russia began its conflict with Ukraine the hospital has faced “routine and prolonged blackouts, sometimes lasting up to 18 hours a day”, explains the energy firms.

“During outages, the hospital had relied solely on a diesel generator, limiting its ability to perform scheduled procedures and significantly delaying urgent medical treatment,” they add.

Installation was carried out locally with costs met through a fundraiser, which raised £15,000 and was organised by Photon Energy and another UK solar distributor Midsummer Energy.

“Raising the money was a marathon rather than a sprint – quite literally, as this was one of the many activities undertaken to raise the money we needed. However, the results speak for themselves,” said Photon’s commercial director.

“I’m deeply grateful to our partners, Segen and Midsummer Energy and especially to all those people who kindly donated money, for helping to bring this vision to life.

“It shows what can be achieved when the industry comes together for a cause that truly matters. I have recently been made aware of at least another 100 hospitals that are need of similar systems, so the work of Repower will continue”

Hospital administrator Yulia Bila added: “The hospital sees over 50,000 people and employs 200 staff and the solar system means we will be able to maintain stable and uninterrupted operations, ensuring continuous medical care for our patients during this extremely difficult time for Ukraine.

“The healthcare system across the country faces new challenges due to the military aggression by the Russian Federation and this contribution is exceptionally valuable.”

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