The EVA store chain continues to systematically enhance the energy independence of its infrastructure to ensure the uninterrupted operation of its stores, logistics centers, and offices during power outages. Since 2022, the company’s total investment in this area has reached approximately UAH 100 million.

EVA's distribution centers, offices, and stores are equipped with alternative power systems. The power grid in each store is designed for two scenarios: normal operation and a limited emergency mode in the event of temporary central power supply outages.

Uninterrupted Operation of the Store Network

Since non-cash payments account for over 50% of transactions at EVA, the company has taken measures to ensure that customers can still pay by card, even during power outages and mobile network disruptions.

"If the mobile signal is lost, we can operate via fiber-optic internet. Not only are the store servers connected to it to exchange data with the company's central server, but bank POS terminals are as well. If this channel is also unavailable, a workflow using data terminals has been implemented. These terminals accumulate data and synchronize with the central server as soon as a connection is re-established. However, in this case, the use of loyalty program options is limited — bonuses are accrued but cannot be redeemed," explains Viktor Sredniy, Operations Director of the EVA store chain.

The core of the backup power system in stores consists of 1,133 gasoline generators. The company keeps several dozen additional generators in reserve to reinforce the network or replace faulty units. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) based on EcoFlow and similar systems are also provided. Stores located inside shopping malls can receive the necessary energy from the malls' own diesel-generating facilities.

Energy Independence of Logistics Centers

The company's key distribution centers were equipped with independent power supplies (powerful diesel generators) even before 2022. Currently, sufficient diesel fuel reserves have been secured to ensure warehouse operations during stabilization or emergency shutdowns of the centralized power grid.

In 2025, grid-connected solar power plants (SPPs) were installed at the company's distribution centers as an additional energy source. The first one was launched at the distribution center in Lviv, consisting of 1,239 panels with a capacity of 718 kW. The distribution center in Dnipro features 791 panels with a capacity of 459 kW, while the Brovary facility has 1,940 panels with a capacity of 1,125 kW.

"Rooftop grid-connected solar power plants cover about 90% of daytime consumption in the summer. Currently, based on available data, the SPP coverage ranges from 17% to 66% of the distribution center's total consumption, depending on the season and warehouse operating mode. In addition to the length of daylight hours, the amount of generated electricity is significantly influenced by solar radiation intensity and weather conditions, such as cloud cover, rain, or snow. During periods of unfavorable weather, generation levels can drop up to 10 times compared to peak performance," says Mykola Leonov, Chief Energy Officer of the EVA store chain and EVA.UA.

Plans for Energy Resilience Development

Due to the expansion of the network and the growth of logistics capacities, the company's efforts toward energy independence and energy efficiency remain ongoing. Supplying new stores with generators is conducted on a routine basis. Furthermore, plans include installing a rooftop grid-connected solar power plant on a newly constructed warehouse building in Lviv. The company also intends to purchase powerful diesel generator units to provide backup power for the new warehouse building in Lviv and a new warehouse in Brovary, which the company acquired at the beginning of 2025. These facilities are scheduled to be commissioned during 2026.

Readiness Level is High, Yet Risks Remain

Despite serious preparations, the company understands that it is impossible to eliminate all risks.

"We are technically prepared for potential challenges. At the same time, major risks for business lie in the unpredictability of the scale and duration of power outages. We cannot maintain massive fuel reserves for every single store, and since many businesses across the country now utilize generators, a simultaneous surge in demand could lead to resource shortages," notes Mykola Leonov.

Additionally, EVA is part of a broader economic and logistical ecosystem. To a certain extent, the company's operations depend not only on its own capabilities but also on the readiness level of its partners and the overall resilience of the country's entire infrastructure.