In a bold move to bolster Ukraine’s energy resilience, DTEK, the country’s largest private energy company, has partnered with UK-based Octopus Energy Group to launch the Resilient Independent Solar Energy (RISE) initiative. Announced at the Octopus Energy Tech Summit in London, the €100 million ($115.16 million) initiative aims to deploy 100 on-site renewable energy projects over the next three years, focusing on rooftop solar and battery storage systems (BSS) for Ukrainian businesses and public sector institutions.
The partnership leverages DTEK’s local expertise and Octopus Energy’s Kraken technology, an AI-powered operating system designed to enhance grid stability, reduce electricity costs, and protect consumers from outages and price volatility. This collaboration is a strategic response to Ukraine’s largely untapped commercial and industrial (C&I) behind-the-meter (BTM) energy market, estimated to have an annual potential of 300MW, valued at €200 million.
Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This partnership with Octopus Energy combines the strength of two national energy champions and is a step towards that future. 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. We are especially grateful to the UK government and British people for their unwavering support for Ukraine.”
The solar and BSS projects will be integrated directly into customer sites through D.Solutions, a DTEK subsidiary focused on customer energy supply and energy efficiency services, operating under Octopus Energy’s retail brand YASNO. The Kraken operating system will enable real-time management of these installations, allowing businesses to optimize energy usage, reduce consumption during peak times, and contribute surplus power back into the grid.
Greg Jackson, CEO and Founder of Octopus Energy Group, praised Ukraine’s resilience and innovation: “Ukraine – and specifically DTEK – has demonstrated incredible resilience and agility in the face of unprecedented destruction to its energy system. 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. We’re proud to partner with them to help Ukraine come back stronger than ever.”
The RISE initiative is poised to set a precedent for decentralized, smart energy systems in conflict-affected regions. By integrating advanced technology and local expertise, the partnership aims to create a model for energy resilience that could inspire similar projects globally. The success of this initiative could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions in other markets, particularly in regions facing energy instability or high costs.
Moreover, the launch of the Octopus Energy Power Africa Fund (OEPA) by Octopus Energy Generation highlights a broader trend of international energy companies investing in renewable projects in emerging markets. This trend underscores the growing recognition of the need for decentralized, resilient energy systems capable of withstanding geopolitical and environmental challenges.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the RISE initiative serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in overcoming adversity. By combining investment, technology, and international support, the partnership between DTEK and Octopus Energy Group is not only addressing immediate energy needs but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable and independent energy future for Ukraine.