A billion‑euro alliance for Ukraine. DTEK and Octopus Energy launch the RISE distributed energy project

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The Ukrainian energy company DTEK and the British technology group Octopus Energy have established a joint venture that will finance and implement the €100 million “Project RISE” program. The initiative, which aims to deploy rooftop solar installations and battery storage systems on a massive scale, is designed to free Ukrainian hospitals, schools, and businesses from crippling nationwide blackouts.

What is Project RISE?

RISE (Resilient Independent Solar Energy) is the first initiative of its kind in Ukraine, intended to radically decentralize the country’s power system. Over the next three years, the program will deliver 100 local solar‑and‑battery projects for the public sector and private enterprises.

The concept was born in June 2025, and pilot deployments carried out by DTEK’s retail brand YASNO have already generated strong market interest. The newly formed company is expected to become a platform that will attract long‑term foreign capital over the next five years — funding essential for the country’s reconstruction.

Decentralization as a shield against blackouts

The need to immediately free consumers from dependence on central power sources is urgent. Due to systematic Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, as much as 70% of Ukraine’s thermal power plant capacity has been damaged, destroyed, or seized. The situation is further worsened by extremely high financing costs, which until now have effectively blocked private investment in the energy sector.

Shifting electricity generation from large, vulnerable power plants to distributed, local rooftop sources is crucial for national security. It ensures the continuity of strategic facilities — hospitals, factories, government offices, shopping centers — even in the event of complete disconnection from the national grid.

A business model with no upfront costs

The new joint venture offers a unique financing model in which the customer bears no initial investment costs:

  • Installation and equipment – YASNO is responsible for installing PV panels and battery storage systems.
  • Energy management – The British partner, Octopus Energy, integrates the systems with its advanced AI‑powered Kraken platform. The algorithms optimize real‑time electricity use, reduce costs during peak hours, and automatically sell surplus energy back to the grid.
  • Ownership and financing – Investments are financed by banks and dedicated investors, supported by international grants and guarantees. After a 10‑year contract period, all infrastructure becomes the property of the customer.

Both companies hold equity stakes in RISE and are currently in advanced talks with several financial institutions to fully activate the operational budget. This strategy aligns with the long‑term plan of DTEK’s shareholder, Rinat Akhmetov, focused on building international technological alliances that support Ukraine’s reconstruction and resilience.

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