Bocholt presents partner city Verkhniodniprovsk with photovoltaic system for kindergarten

The city of Bocholt has handed over a modern photovoltaic system with an output of 38.4 kWp and a 35 kW battery storage unit to its Ukrainian twin city of Verkhniodniprovsk. The system installed on the "Veselka" kindergarten in Novomykolaivka covers around 40 per cent of the electricity demand and ensures security of supply even during power outages.

The city of Bocholt successfully applied for funding as part of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) programme "Improving Civil Protection and Reconstruction in Municipal Partnerships with Ukraine" . The system was brought to Verkhniodniprovsk in the spring and is making a direct contribution to the quality of life and energy security there.

The installation on the roof of the "Veselka" kindergarten means that the facility can operate continuously even during power outages. Thanks to the 35 kW battery, the kindergarten can be self-sufficiently supplied with energy for up to eight hours. With an annual electricity production of around 9,490 kilowatt hours, the facility also saves electricity costs of around €2,000 per year and reduces CO₂ emissions at the same time.

"With this solar system, we not only want to hand over a technical system, but also strengthen reliability and hope locally", says Mayor Gennadii Lebid of the city of Verkhniodniprovsk. "In difficult times, the continuous operation of a kindergarten can be a strong sign for children and families."

Petra Taubach, European Affairs Officer for the City of Bocholt, adds: "The project funding from the GIZ and our commitment as a partner city show how international solidarity can have a concrete impact. We are delighted that we are not only able to promote climate protection with this plant, but also security of supply in Verkhniodniprovsk."