Kernel to Invest $400 Million in Ukraine Energy Projects
In a significant move demonstrating confidence in Ukraine’s economic future and energy sector, the agricultural giant Kernel has announced plans to invest $400 million in energy projects over the next two years. This substantial commitment is aimed at bolstering the country’s energy independence and advancing its transition toward renewable sources.
The announcement was made by Kernel’s CEO, Yevgeny Osypov, at the Forbes Agro conference in Kyiv on February 26, 2026. The investment signals a major strategic diversification for the agroholding, positioning it as a key player in Ukraine’s energy landscape.
A Focus on Renewable Generation and Storage with Ukraine solar energy investment
Kernel’s investment will target the development of large-scale wind and solar power generation facilities. Critically, the plan also includes the integration of energy storage systems (ESS). The combined capacity of these new projects is expected to reach approximately 600 MW, a considerable addition to Ukraine’s power grid.
This initiative builds on Kernel’s previous successes in the energy domain. The company has already invested $230 million in cogeneration projects since 2018, a move that has made its own assets fully self-sufficient with “green” energy that meets European Union standards. A successful $20 million pilot project completed last year has paved the way for this larger-scale expansion. To fund this ambitious undertaking, Kernel is reportedly in the process of securing financing from major international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Bolstering Ukraine’s Energy Security through Ukraine solar energy investment
This investment comes at a crucial time for Ukraine. The country’s energy infrastructure has faced significant challenges, making private sector investment in generation and grid stability more important than ever. The European Union has also been considering support packages to help repair and modernize Ukraine’s power system. Kernel’s commitment represents a powerful domestic effort to enhance national energy resilience and reduce reliance on external sources.
While expanding into energy, Kernel continues to strengthen its core agricultural operations. The company recently acquired Agro-Region through its owner, Enselco, increasing its total land bank to approximately 550,000 hectares. This dual strategy of reinforcing its primary business while diversifying into the vital energy sector underscores a forward-looking approach to sustainable growth and national development.
Kernel’s $400 million investment is more than a corporate expansion; it is a vital contribution to Ukraine’s economic recovery, energy security, and sustainable future.
