Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 9:25 .

Goldbeck Solar: Pioneering Renewable Energy Projects in Ukraine

Goldbeck Solar, a family business with over 25 years in the solar market, has developed more than 4 gigawatts of solar assets across 20 countries. The firm operates an extensive operation and maintenance portfolio of 2.2 gigawatts and owns significant projects including the largest solar plant in Poland and two large-scale plants in Kazakhstan. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, the company strategically entered the Ukrainian market, recognizing the potential for renewable energy amidst the challenges. A government target of 500 megawatts in renewable projects, focusing initially on solar energy, has been established, with a refined goal of incorporating hybrid projects for better efficiency. Project financing in Ukraine emphasizes the importance of acquiring projects at the ready-to-build stage, ensuring all permits are in place for international investment. The German government's provision of war risk insurance has facilitated energy project investments in central and western Ukraine, despite the lack of traditional Power Purchase Agreements. Notably, the first solar project since the war has marked a significant step forward in renewable energy efforts, showcasing resilience and commitment to sustainable energy development in the region.

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Speaker

Olga Kovalchuk
Managing Director
Goldbeck Solar

Talk of session: When Power Becomes a Target - Building Resilient European Energy Systems Through Solar, Storage and Grid-Forming Technologies

In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's energy systems are facing increasing physicaland cyber threats. Strengthening resilience has become a strategic priority. This session explores how solar PV, battery storage and grid-forming technologies can protect critical infrastructure, enhance system stability and support rapid recovery after disruptions. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine and Europe's frontline states, experts will be discussing how decentralized renewables can contribute to energy security.

Key topics:

• How solar, battery storage and renewables contribute to Europe's energy security
• Lessons from Ukraine on system resilience and recovery
• The strategic role of solar-plus-storage in future security planning
• Integrating security into energy system design and regulation

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

David Wedepohl
Managing Director International Affairs
BSW - German Solar Association

To Talk

The New Energy Security Paradigm for Europe

Speaker

Jarand Rystad
CEO
Rystad Energy AS
Norway

To Talk

From Dependency to Resilience: Renewables and the EU's Security Agenda

Speaker

Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

The Sun Supporting the Power System

Speaker

Vladyslav Sokolovskyi
Chairman of the Board of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine
Solar Energy Association of Ukraine

To Talk

Panel Discussion

Speaker

To Talk