EU and UNDP deliver solar systems to Mykolaiv to secure water access for 440,000 residents

Thirty-six autonomous solar power units will be installed on critical municipal buildings, ensuring essential water supply resilience during blackouts.

Mykolaiv, Ukraine, 24 November 2025 — The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have provided Mykolaiv with 36 sets of autonomous solar power systems. This vital equipment will ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure, guaranteeing residents continuous access to safe drinking water.

The solar panels will be installed on the rooftops of non-residential municipal buildings — specifically, central heating stations and boiler houses — to support city water supply systems serving approximately 440,000 city residents.

While visiting Mykolaiv, Peter M. Wagner, Head of the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, highlighted the importance of the EU’s support for strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience.

“One of the EU’s key priorities is to help communities develop decentralised and reliable energy systems that can withstand shocks and keep essential services running,” Wagner said. “In the face of Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure, when Ukrainians are again facing prolonged power outages, it is more important than ever that we stand with people and support solutions that make a real difference in their daily lives.” 

Mykola Marinov, Deputy Head of Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, underlined the strategic value of international partnerships.

“Today, any support for our region is invaluable — especially when it concerns the safety of our people and the prevention of a humanitarian crisis,” Kim said. “Access to safe drinking water remains one of our top priorities. Thanks to our partners, we can equip our water treatment stations with systems that will operate autonomously using solar energy. This is a vital step that strengthens our resilience and helps protect our communities during the most challenging times.”

Dmytro Falko, Secretary of the Mykolaiv City Council emphasized the practical importance of the new systems.

“These solar installations will significantly strengthen our ability to maintain essential services during blackouts,” Falko said. “They will allow our water treatment units to operate even when the main grid is damaged or disconnected. This autonomy is crucial for ensuring that Mykolaiv residents continue to have access to clean water, no matter how difficult the circumstances.”

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Monica Rijal added that “energy security lies at the heart of Ukraine’s development.”

“Together with our EU partners, we’re working to ensure that every Ukrainian household can access essential services,” Rijal said. “This project demonstrates the power of multilateral partnership in supporting the country’s most vulnerable communities.”

Ukraine’s recovery still requires substantial and sustained international assistance. According to the Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4), the energy sector alone will require an estimated EUR 66 billion for reconstruction. This figure underscores the urgent need for continued international support to rehabilitate and modernise the country’s energy systems.

The European Union is a leader in the response to the energy crisis caused by Russia’s war of aggression. Under the project “Crisis Response for Securing Reliable Energy Access in Ukraine,” delivered through the UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme, the EU is funding high-efficiency energy equipment across the country, further strengthening regional energy resilience.

Between 2022 and 2024, in partnership with UNDP, the EU allocated EUR 20 million between for the project “Support to Early Recovery in War-Affected Areas in Ukraine.” The initiative encompassed the clearance of explosive ordnance, debris removal, the restoration of access to basic services, and the provision of resilient energy supplies to critical infrastructure.

Background:

The European Union and UNDP in Ukraine are collaborating closely to support the recovery of Ukraine's energy sector. This partnership combines the EU’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 Head of Communications and Advocacy, yuliia.samus@undp.org