Today, energy conservation is no longer just a trend. It is a way to survive.
20.11.2025
Ruslan Shostak, president of TERWIN
In our business, we launched energy efficiency projects over ten years ago. Back then, every department defended its own technical proposals, and we funded those that offered a payback period of 5 to 7 years. It was a gradual, planned, and cost-effective process.
Over these ten years, we have cut our electricity consumption in half. Managing millions of square meters taught us how to reduce the load on the power grid—yielding both economic and environmental benefits.
Today, this initiative continues, but under completely new circumstances. Saving a watt is no longer just about green economics; it is about security. Being independent of external systems is no longer a matter of "efficiency"—it is a question of business survival.
Within the EVA retail chain, we are installing alternative power plants across millions of square meters, investing hundreds of millions of hryvnias.
Our first solar power plants (SPPs) were installed on the rooftop of our distribution center in Lviv, featuring 1,239 solar panels covering over 7,000 square meters with a capacity of 718 kW. During the summer, this station can cover up to 80% of the warehouse's daytime electricity consumption. More than UAH 18 million was invested in this project. In 2025, the company launched two additional solar power plants at our distribution centers in Dnipro and Brovary. Together, this already delivers up to several megawatts of our own generation.
Meanwhile, VARUS has launched a solar power program across 48 out of its 116 stores nationwide.
The total capacity of these installations will reach 4.8 MW, with an annual generation of over 5 million kWh. During daytime hours, these units will cover up to 95% of each store's electricity consumption, generating over UAH 50 million in annual savings. We have directed over UAH 100 million in investments toward this energy efficiency project, and the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) supported us, showing true belief in this strategy.
Therefore, my advice to businesses is very straightforward: do not be afraid to invest in energy efficiency. The payback period remains the same—5 to 7 years.
The returns, however, are independence, resilience, and security.
There are plenty of financial programs in the market aimed at funding green initiatives. If you approach this professionally, capital for such projects can—and absolutely must—be secured.
It is the responsibility of every business to think ahead, secure itself, and become less dependent on external factors.