As Ukraine grapples with an ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by military conflicts, a recent study has shed light on the potential of on-grid hybrid wind-solar power plants in the residential sector. This research, led by Tetiana Kurbatova from the International Economic Relations Department at Sumy State University, emphasizes the economic viability of these systems amid a landscape marked by electricity shortages and rising tariffs.
The study, published in the journal ‘Energies,’ underscores the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions in Ukraine’s residential sector. With the destruction of energy infrastructure due to hostilities, the integration of hybrid wind-solar systems presents a dual benefit: it can provide a stable electricity supply while leveraging two of the most abundant renewable resources. “Hybrid systems can deliver more consistent energy generation by balancing the strengths of wind and solar,” Kurbatova explains. “Wind power is more potent at night and in winter, while solar energy peaks during the day and summer.”
Despite the clear advantages of hybrid systems, the research reveals that only four such facilities have been installed in Ukrainian households to date. The study compares two state support schemes—the feed-in tariff and net billing—and finds that the feed-in tariff remains significantly more attractive for households. Under this mechanism, projects can achieve a return on investment within 9.77 years for a 10 kW system without energy storage, while systems with a capacity of 30 kW and energy storage have a payback period of 16.1 years.
In contrast, net billing, which compensates households based on the market price of excess electricity supplied to the grid, proved less favorable. “The current version of net billing is unlikely to encourage widespread adoption of hybrid systems,” Kurbatova notes. This finding raises critical questions about the effectiveness of existing energy policies in stimulating the growth of renewable energy in the residential sector.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic circles, potentially shaping future energy policy in Ukraine. To foster the development of hybrid systems, Kurbatova recommends revising state support mechanisms, including increasing the credit limit under government interest-free lending programs and establishing market electricity tariffs for households. These changes could enhance the investment attractiveness of hybrid systems, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Ukraine.
As the country navigates its post-war energy landscape, the insights from this study could serve as a blueprint for integrating renewable energy technologies into the residential sector. By aligning economic incentives with the pressing needs of households, Ukraine can pave the way for a greener and more self-sufficient energy system.
For further information on this research, you can visit Sumy State University.
