Wind of Victory: How Ukraine's Wind Energy Revives Amid the Ruins of War
In 2025, as Russian missiles continued to methodically destroy Ukraine's energy system, the wind turbines didn't stop. They spun. They provided light. They gave hope.
The market overview, prepared by the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association (UWEA) together with legal giants Sayenko Kharenko and CMS Ukraine, reveals the true drama and triumph: despite the total destruction of energy infrastructure, wind energy grew by 324 MW of new capacity. That's more than in all previous war years combined. These aren't just turbines. This is a shield holding the country together.
Global Context: The World Matures, Ukraine Survives and Grows
2025 entered history as the year of "maturation" for global renewable energy. 72 GW of new wind capacity in the first half alone. Total capacity exceeded 1.25 TW. China dominates with 600 GW, Europe holds 20% wind share in the balance. But the key isn't quantity, but quality: grids, energy storage systems (ESS), and artificial intelligence make wind predictable and reliable.
Investments in clean energy reached a record 2.3 trillion dollars—twice as much as in fossil fuels. For Ukraine, this is a clear signal: wind is no longer just ecology. It's a matter of energy independence and national survival.
Ukrainian Front: From Survival to Counteroffensive
The war took away 23 GW of generation. Destroyed substations, burned transformers, left millions without power. But wind energy held firm.
As of the end of 2025, Ukraine had 2.2 GW of installed wind capacity (including 1.3 GW in temporarily occupied territories). In 2025 alone, 324 MW were built—an absolute wartime record.
Who is driving this locomotive?
- AtlasGlobalEnergy completed the Skolivska WPP (63 MW) in Lviv region—100 million euros invested, Nordex turbines at 7 MW each.
- FriendlyWindTechnology in Zakarpattia launched serial blade production and added 65 MW, creating nearly 2500 jobs.
- ElementumEnergyproduced 834 GWh and implemented the first financial CfD.
- DTEK Renewablesisassembling the giant Tylihulska WPP (nearly 500 MW by end of 2026) and has already commissioned 200 MW of ESS.
- OKKO isbuilding 850 MW by 2030.
These aren't just megawatts. This is 900 new jobs, over 3 billion UAH in taxes to budgets, and real social projects for communities.
Problems Still Choking the Industry
Growth happens despite everything:
- Logisticsofoversized equipment under constant alerts
- Criticalshortageof installers and service engineers
- Bureaucracyanddelayed permits
- Marketdebts (thoughsignificantly reduced)
- Lackoffull wartime risk insurance
The market has diversified: energy traders, agricultural holdings, retailers, and even former EPC contractors are entering. Financing is hybrid: equity + bank loans + international guarantees. But risks remain enormous.
Reforms Giving Hope
Ukraine is actively harmonizing legislation with the EU:
Law No. 4213 simplified connection (cable pooling, capacity reservation)
Bill No. 13219 (auctions) shifts to feed-in premium model, reduces bank guarantees
Bill No. 14271 implements RED III—accelerated development zones, energy communities
Bill No. 12087-d prepares market integration with the EU
ESG is no longer a buzzword but a real risk management tool—from bird protection to community work.
ESS—The New Heart of the System
512 MW of new energy storage systems per year. Globally—106 GW. In Ukraine, DTEK has already commissioned 200 MW. These aren't just "batteries." It's the ability to store excess wind at night and release it in the evening when prices peak. Arbitrage + ancillary services = new flexibility economy.
2025 became a turning point. We shifted from survival policy to recovery policy. Wind energy proved: it can operate under shelling, attract investments even in war, and give the country what no other generation can—freedom.