SEF 2025: Forum and Expo on Innovation and Energy Recovery Held in Kyiv

As a result of Russia’s military aggression, around 70% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed, including generation capacities and distribution nodes. Most of the damaged power plants are beyond repair. However, during the recovery period, the Ukrainian economy will require a significant increase in domestic generation capacity to build a new, resilient energy model. The foundation of Ukraine’s modern energy system lies in decentralized generation and a developed energy storage infrastructure based on intelligent management systems. This transformation also requires corresponding changes and adaptations in the legislative framework.

On June 25–26, 2025, Kyiv hosted SEF 2025, an international platform that united key directions of modern energy solutions for the recovery and modernization of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The event was organized by Ibcentre — an international platform focused on business development in clean technologies and renewable energy. SEF 2025 Kyiv included a comprehensive set of thematic conferences and an expo dedicated to the core segments of the energy sector and related public policy.

The two-day intensive agenda included:

CISOLAR 2025 – the 14th Central and Eastern European Solar Energy Exhibition and Conference, focused on distributed generation and microgrids.

During CISOLAR 2025, leading Ukrainian and international experts discussed decentralization strategies, the development of renewable energy sources, innovations in energy storage and distribution, and the integration of AI technologies into infrastructure management. Market leaders, investors, government agencies, developers, EPC contractors, and equipment suppliers presented their latest products and solutions during the CISOLAR 2025 Expo.

The CISOLAR AWARDS ceremony took place during the evening reception on June 25, honoring the region’s best solar energy projects, products, and solutions. Notable awardees included:

SPP Development Ukraine – “Best Renewable Energy Developer”
RAYTON – “Best Energy Storage Solution for Enterprises”
SolarSK – “Best Equipment for Solar Power Plants”
Odeskabel – “Best Renewable Energy Manufacturer”
Vladyslav Sokolovskyi, Chairman of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (ASEU) – “Person of the Year in Renewable Energy”

ENERGY REBUILD 2025 – Conference on the Recovery and Modernization of Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure

This conference served as a key discussion platform for industry experts to address the reconstruction and digital modernization of critical energy infrastructure, incorporating advanced energy storage technologies for electricity and heat.

In her keynote speech, Julia Daviy, Co-Founder of Ibcentre and President of the Sustainable Innovation Council, stated:

"Today, Ukraine has the opportunity not just to catch up with global energy trends but to co-author the new energy architecture of the world. SEF 2025 is more than an event — it’s a space where breakthrough technologies, capital, and political will converge to shape the future. We are creating conditions where recovery turns into scale, and partnerships become systemic solutions. Ukraine offers a unique testing ground for pilot breakthrough solutions that can scale globally — and we’re ready to support this with investment and ecosystem synergy."

More than three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine have underscored the importance of distributed generation and autonomous energy clusters in ensuring the operation of not only private homes but also hospitals, schools, utilities, and industrial enterprises. Solar power plants, especially when combined with energy storage systems, are now playing a critical role as local energy hubs across Ukraine.

"Amid war conditions, solar energy remains one of the key drivers of resilience for Ukraine’s energy system. In 2024, Ukraine built around 850 MW of new solar power capacity, and by the end of 2025, we expect similar installation levels. We’re seeing consistent interest from communities and businesses in decentralized and innovative solutions, as well as growing interest from international companies in the Ukrainian renewable energy market. The post-war recovery phase will unlock massive growth opportunities for the sector," emphasized Vladyslav Sokolovskyi, Chairman of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine.

During the government policy panel, Artem Nekrasov, Acting Director of State Enterprise "Guaranteed Buyer," stressed that despite current challenges, the agency continues to support the renewable sector and is actively repaying debts under the green tariff system. As of June 25, 2025, the Guaranteed Buyer’s debt to renewable energy producers stood at UAH 23.3 billion, a 35% reduction compared to the previous year.

Oleksandr Havva, CEO of Market Operator JSC, emphasized the importance of expanding generation and storage infrastructure in Ukraine as the foundation for a resilient energy system. He pointed out that guarantees of origin for electricity are the strongest current incentive for renewable energy development:

"Guarantees of origin are now a tradable commodity in Europe, and more importantly, can be retired by end users who need green electricity. This market-based mechanism is the most efficient path forward."

One of the key catalysts for solar market growth has been the government’s introduction of a zero VAT rate on solar module imports and related energy equipment starting July 1, 2024.

Nadiia Petruchenko, Co-Founder and Business Development Director at SPP Development Ukraine, commented:

"Rebuilding Ukraine’s energy system demands fundamentally new approaches and technologies, with an emphasis on decentralized infrastructure and renewable sources. Our company is focused on exactly these kinds of high-tech, megawatt-scale solutions."

Financial support from leading institutions has become a main driver of Ukraine’s renewable energy market under war conditions.

Oleksii Savin, Director of Sustainable Banking at Ukrgasbank, stated:

"Energy independence is not just a strategic goal — it’s a daily necessity for businesses and communities. Ukrgasbank has financed over 1,200 energy efficiency and renewable projects and is ready to scale this support. We offer accessible financing tools for clients of all sizes who want to reduce energy dependence. Together with the market, we’re creating new opportunities for Ukraine."

Despite adverse conditions and high risks, urgent industry needs and financial support have spurred the growth of domestic energy production. Today, Ukraine is becoming a testing ground for modern energy solutions, particularly in renewables and decentralization.

According to Oleksandr Simonov, Deputy Director of Marketing and Sales at Odeskabel:

"Reliable energy infrastructure is no longer just a technical issue — it’s the foundation of security and economic resilience. SEF 2025 showed that Ukraine is not only a consumer but also an exporter of new energy solutions. As a leading Ukrainian cable and wire manufacturer, Odeskabel is actively contributing to this transformation. We’re ready to provide the engineering backbone for everything from renewables to critical infrastructure."

Additional insights on new energy solutions and market trends were shared by:

Irena Bryk, Founder & Director, ISO Company
Kseniia Kovalenko, Head of Lending Department, Rayton Sun UA
Oleksii Sinitsyn, CTO, Unisolar
Olena Stavytska, Director, MAS Renewable Energy … and many more. Over 40 speakers participated in the SEF 2025 Kyiv conference program.

Partners of SEF 2025 Kyiv included:

Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (General Partner)
SPP Development Ukraine (Gigawatt Partner)
Sokolovskyi & Partners Law Firm (General Legal Partner)
UGB (Ukrgasbank) (General Financial Partner)
SolarSK (Gala Dinner Partner)
Odeskabel (Kilowatt Partner)
Rayton Sun UA, Unisolar, ISO Company (Session Partners)

Strategic Media Partner: Energobusiness Media Partners: NaftoRynok, Pershyi Gigawatt, Equipment & Tools Information Partners: Greencubator, UABIO.

Ibcentre is a platform for deal-making, business scaling, and uniting global players in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and EV infrastructure sectors.

For more information:

Email: cisolar@ibcentre.org