Chinese clean tech aids Ukraine’s energy security
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Following Russian attacks on its power infrastructure, Ukraine has increasingly relied on Chinese-made solar panels and batteries to maintain electricity access for homes and essential services.
Russia’s attacks during 2022 and 2023 damaged or occupied roughly half of Ukraine’s power generation capacity, and further attacks in 2024 and 2026 reduced this further. This prompted a surge in decentralized energy solutions, particularly solar power.
Ukraine was already a growing solar market before the full-scale invasion, but deployment slowed initially after February 2022. However, installations rebounded, with approximately 800 MW added in 2024 and 1.5 GW in 2025. While China maintains strong ties with Russia, its dominance in the clean energy supply chain, producing around 85 percent of global solar capacity and 80 percent of lithium-ion battery production, has enabled it to supply equipment to Ukraine.
Currently, there is no precise data on the proportion of Chinese equipment in Ukraine’s renewable energy sector, as much reaches the country through various channels. Experts suggest that while China's manufacturing position creates influence, it doesn’t automatically equal coercive power, given complex international trade routes and the potential costs to Chinese companies of restricting supplies.
The International Energy Agency estimates Ukraine will need to add 4 GW of solar and 5.6 GW of battery storage annually through 2030 to rebuild a secure and decentralized system, offering opportunities for Chinese companies in system integration and local production.
