For Eco-Optima, clean energy is not just the way of the future but the basis for a successful business model that thrives in today’s changing Ukraine

Eco-Optima is a 10-year-old family-based business that got its start developing a wind farm near the picturesque Lviv region town of Staryi Sambir, in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). From there, it has branched out into solar power and biomass with the continued support of strong international partners.

While the Lviv region may not be the sunniest or windiest in Ukraine, it still has massive potential for renewables and is the setting for the majority of Eco-Optima’s work.

“Thanks to our governor, we are one of the top regions for investment in these projects due to the speed with which one can set up,” said Maksym Kozytskyy, Eco-Optima’s CEO.

Looking to the future, Eco-Optima has already commissioned one of Ukraine’s largest solar energy stations – 72MW – and is negotiating another 54MW wind farm. 

“If we had access to the financing that we need, our company alone could commission 200MW per year,” said Kozytskyy, adding that German banks are welcome to participate in the company’s projects.

Today, around two percent of Ukraine’s energy is produced by renewables but the country has committed to taking that share up to 11 percent by 2020.