EU-initiated Ray of Hope project: Strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund Mechanism
On March 27, 2025, a delegation of high-ranking officials visited a site within the Ray of Hope (Promin Nadiyi) solar panel installation project, an initiative aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply to medical facilities across Ukraine. The visit was led by Katarina Mathernová, EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, Herman Halushchenko, Energy Minister of Ukraine, and Ihor Kopach, Deputy Healthcare Minister of Ukraine.
The initiative was launched in 2023 by the European Commission, in cooperation with the Italian company Enel, and is being implemented through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. This project is part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience and implement sustainable solutions for critical infrastructure operation. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and the Italian Civil Protection authorities provided assistance in coordinating and transporting the donated solar panels, ensuring their delivery to Ukraine.
“Ray of Hope is yet another powerful testament to our solidarity with Ukraine in the energy sector. The transport and logistical support provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has proven a true lifeline for Ukraine amidst brutal Russian aggression. It allowed for the delivery of vital humanitarian aid and essential energy equipment supplied by EU member states. Combined with the EU’s financial contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund (UESF), this plays a key role in deploying renewable electricity generation for critical infrastructure, ensuring power availability when it is most needed,” stated EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernová.
The implementation of the Ray of Hope project marks a new phase for the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which was established to facilitate repairs to energy infrastructure and assist Ukraine in restoring power supply following Russian attacks. While emergency repairs remain a priority, the Fund is now reorienting to also support the long-term resilience of Ukraine’s energy system through sustainable energy solutions.
“This project is not simply a source of reliable energy supply for hospitals; it symbolises the transition to long-term energy solutions for Ukraine,” noted Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat. “While urgent infrastructure repairs remain a priority, initiatives such as Ray of Hope illustrate how the Ukraine Energy Support Fund can contribute to establishing a more resilient and self-sufficient energy system.”
Upon completion of construction at the specified site, a 102 kW solar power plant, equipped with panels donated under the European Commission’s 2023 Ray of Hope initiative, will ensure the operation of essential medical services, including operating rooms, intensive care units, and water purification systems. A 100 kWh battery system, funded by EU grant support, will enable the facility to operate at full load for over an hour, ensuring the continuity of vital procedures during power outages.
The Ray of Hope initiative, implemented by the Energy Community Secretariat in close cooperation with the Healthcare Ministry of Ukraine and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, is gaining momentum. Initially covering 17 hospitals, by March 2025 its scope had expanded to over 100 medical facilities, with further expansion anticipated as new requests are received.
“This important initiative, implemented through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, enables us to address the electricity needs of medical facilities during critical situations. We express our gratitude to our European partners and the Energy Community for the collaboration that facilitates the implementation of this project and extends its impact to an increasing number of medical facilities,” stated Energy Minister of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko.
“We are working to effectively address the challenges posed by the full-scale war. Thanks to international assistance to the energy sector, we are reinforcing our hospitals, making them more resilient,” said Deputy Healthcare Minister Ukraine Ihor Kopach. “The project prioritises hospitals within the capable network. Due to the technical specifications of the panels, notably the presence of batteries and hybrid inverters, hospitals can operate continuously, even during emergency power outages resulting from Russian attacks. Consequently, during surgical interventions and within intensive care units, doctors will continue to save the lives and health of patients, irrespective of emergency or scheduled power outages, thus ensuring greater energy security for the facility and its stable operation.”