Trends in Business Energy Independence
During an interview on the Ukrinform channel's 'Ye Rozmova' program, YASNO CEO Serhiy Kovalenko discussed developments in business energy independence and the electricity market. He identified the primary trend for 2026 as a shift among businesses toward combined 'solar plus battery' solutions. According to Kovalenko, by 2025, half of all inquiries and installations were already for such systems. This is because solar panels generate power during the day when the grid faces the least strain, while generation drops in the morning and evening hours.
Kovalenko also noted a rise in the market price of electricity, which has reached record levels due to a supply deficit. In January 2025, the base market price was 5.50 UAH per kilowatt-hour, but by January 2026, it had climbed to 8.25 UAH per kilowatt-hour.
'We see that the price in January became radically higher. On one hand, this is bad for business because overhead costs are rising. On the other hand, it allows for purchasing imports when they are more expensive in Europe.' — Serhiy Kovalenko
Financial Tools for Energy Independence
Businesses in Ukraine are utilizing various financial instruments to secure their energy independence, including:
- Internal funds
- State-backed '5-7-9' lending programs
- Energy service agreements
Unlike households, businesses have the ability to purchase electricity on the free market, where prices are set hourly. This market volatility is a significant driver for companies to invest in their own generation.
'I am a fan of the free market because you can forecast it, and it doesn't depend on officials' decisions. Spring will come, and this price will fall.' — Serhiy Kovalenko
Consequently, energy independence for Ukrainian businesses is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, reflecting both shifting market conditions and new technological solutions. The ongoing conflict has made securing a reliable power supply a critical operational concern for companies.
Amid rising electricity prices and systemic shortages, businesses must adapt to new realities, which is spurring innovative approaches to energy supply. Implementing hybrid solutions like 'solar plus battery' can be a crucial step toward reducing costs and ensuring stability in an unstable market. This underscores the growing importance of energy independence for Ukrainian enterprises today.