Powering Ukraine: DTEK and Octopus Energy Group launch RISE initiative to boost energy resilience

• RISE targets €100 million funding to power 100 commercial solar and battery projects across Ukraine 

• Projects will combine DTEK’s delivery capacity with Octopus Energy’s technology to enable customers to optimise energy use and sell surplus electricity back to the grid 

• Aims to stabilise the grid, lower electricity costs and protect customers against outages and price hikes 

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, and Octopus Energy Group, the global clean energy tech business, have announced RISE – a new initiative to deliver rooftop solar and battery storage systems to Ukrainian businesses and public sector institutions.  

Announced at the Octopus’ Energy Tech Summit in London, the partnership brings together DTEK’s on-the-ground expertise and experience with Octopus Energy Group’s AI-powered operating system, Kraken, to strengthen energy resilience.  

RISE, which stands for Resilient Independent Solar Energy, is the first programme of its kind in Ukraine. It aims to raise €100 million to finance 100 on-site energy projects over the next three years. This initiative will help stabilise the grid, lower electricity costs for customers and protect them against outages and price hikes.  

The solar and battery systems will be installed directly on customer premises by D.Solutions, DTEK’s business specialising in consumer energy supply and energy efficiency services, under its retail brand, YASNO. 

The systems will use the Kraken operating system, enabling businesses to optimise and manage their energy use in real time, reduce consumption during peak hours, and sell surplus electricity back to the grid, boosting resilience and savings. 

Maxim Timchenko, DTEK CEO, said: “About 70% of Ukraine’s thermal generation capacity has been damaged, destroyed or seized since the full-scale invasion. This has created not only an urgent need to rebuild but also an opportunity to accelerate the shift to a decentralised, renewable energy system. DTEK’s partnership with Octopus Energy combines the strength of two national energy champions and is a step towards a stronger, greener energy 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. Thank you to Octopus Energy, the UK Government and British people for their unwavering support to Ukraine.”  

Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, said: “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.” 

Ukraine’s commercial and industrial (C&I) behind-the-meter (BTM) energy market remains largely untapped, with an estimated annual potential of 300 MW, valued at approximately €200 million. YASNO currently serves more than 60,000 C&I customers and has the capacity to generate a project pipeline worth around €30 million per year in this market.