Ukrainian energy company DTEK and UK-based Octopus Energy Group have launched a new funding initiative aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s energy security through decentralised solar and battery systems.
The programme, called RISE (Resilient Independent Solar Energy), was unveiled at the Octopus Energy Tech Summit in London and aims to raise €100 million over three years. The funds will support the installation of 100 solar and battery energy storage systems for businesses and public institutions across Ukraine.
“This partnership with Octopus Energy combines the strength of two national energy champions and is a step towards that future,” said Maxim Timchenko, chief executive of DTEK. “By combining investment, technology and international support, we can help Ukrainian businesses and communities take control of their energy needs and lay the foundation for lasting energy independence.”
RISE is the first initiative of its kind in Ukraine and will utilise Octopus Energy’s Kraken operating system to enable real-time energy management. The systems, which will be installed by D.Solutions under DTEK’s retail brand YASNO, will allow users to reduce energy consumption during peak demand, stabilise grid usage, and sell surplus electricity back to the grid.
According to DTEK, around 70% of Ukraine’s thermal generation capacity has been damaged, destroyed or seized since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The RISE initiative aims to both respond to the immediate infrastructure crisis and accelerate the shift toward a more decentralised renewable energy model.
“Ukraine – and specifically DTEK – has demonstrated incredible resilience and agility in the face of unprecedented destruction to its energy system,” said Greg Jackson, founder and chief executive of Octopus Energy Group. “They are rebuilding at pace and pioneering a decentralised, smart energy system powered by homegrown renewables – and this is exactly where Kraken can be highly effective.”
The companies said the initiative will help reduce electricity costs, improve energy reliability, and protect users from price fluctuations and outages. They also acknowledged support from the UK Government and international partners in backing Ukraine’s transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems.
