Kernel launches solar power plants at elevators, plans to sell excess electricity to the grid
Kernel is rolling out its own solar power generation at industrial facilities. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on external electricity supplies, ensure stable elevator operations, and lower the carbon footprint of its products.
The company is currently implementing two pilot projects at grain elevators with a combined capacity of 250 kW and a total investment of around $140,000. The first project, located in Kirovohrad region, has a capacity of 100 kW, while the second one in Poltava region will generate 150 kW.
“Given current electricity tariffs for commercial consumers, investments in industrial solar power plants without storage systems are among the most effective tools for cost optimization. The expected payback period is up to five years. At the same time, the production cost of self-generated solar electricity for the enterprise is several times lower than market prices,” said Serhii Shcherban, Head of Storage Department at Kernel.
At present, the generated electricity covers the technological processes and operational needs of the elevators. In the coming months, the company plans to connect the facilities to the grid under the active consumer model, which will allow excess electricity to be sold to the national energy system.
Kernel is also considering scaling up the project. Potential locations include other facilities in Poltava and Vinnytsia regions. In the future, the company may install systems with capacities of up to 550 kW, while larger sites could host solar plants with capacities of 3–4 MW.
In addition to the direct economic effect and lower operational risks, the move is part of the holding’s long-term ESG strategy focused on decarbonising production processes.
In October 2025, it became known that Kernel would build a 250 MW solar power plant in Chernivtsi region.
In April 2026, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provided financing to Kernel for the first time since the start of the full-scale war. The agribusiness holding secured a $45 million loan to construct a solar power plant in southern Ukraine.
