Akhmetov’s DTEK to Build $1.2B Wind Farm in Ukraine

Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s wealthiest businessman, has announced a $1.2 billion investment to construct a 650-megawatt wind farm in the Poltava region. This project, managed through his energy holding company DTEK, represents one of the most significant private infrastructure commitments since 2022. The facility aims to enhance the stability of the national power grid while supporting the transition toward sustainable energy sources. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025, marking a major expansion of the domestic renewable energy portfolio.

Strategic Energy Decentralization and Capacity

The Poltava Wind Farm will consist of approximately 100 wind turbines designed to generate clean electricity for hundreds of thousands of local homes. DTEK has prioritized this location due to its favorable wind speeds and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure. This new capacity will help mitigate the risks associated with centralized energy production during the ongoing conflict.

Engineers have already completed the preliminary site surveys and environmental impact assessments required for the project. The company plans to use high-capacity turbines that are specifically calibrated for the atmospheric conditions of central Ukraine. These technical choices ensure that the facility operates at peak efficiency throughout the year.

Beyond power generation, the project includes the installation of advanced monitoring systems to manage output in real-time. These systems will allow grid operators to balance the load more effectively across the Poltava district. The integration of such technology helps prevent surges and maintains a steady flow of electricity to industrial consumers.

The total investment of €1.1 billion will be allocated toward turbine procurement, civil engineering, and grid connection works. DTEK is working with international partners to secure the supply chain for essential components. This proactive approach ensures that the construction timeline remains on track despite logistical challenges in the region.

"This is our contribution to the recovery of Ukraine and the strengthening of its energy security. We are building a new energy system that will be greener, more efficient, and more resilient."

— Rinat Akhmetov, Founder of SCM and Owner of DTEK

Economic Impact and European Integration

The development of the Poltava facility aligns with the national goal of synchronizing the energy sector with European Union standards. By increasing the share of renewables, the country moves closer to the decarbonization requirements of the European Green Deal. This transition is expected to facilitate future electricity exports to neighboring EU member states.

Local economic benefits include the creation of numerous jobs during the peak of the construction phase. DTEK has committed to hiring local contractors for earthworks, road building, and the assembly of turbine foundations. Once operational, the wind farm will provide long-term employment for technical specialists and maintenance crews.

The project also provides a significant boost to the regional tax base, which supports public services and local infrastructure. Municipal leaders have welcomed the investment as a means to revitalize the area's industrial profile. This collaboration between the private sector and local government serves as a model for future utility projects.

Financing for the initiative involves a combination of internal reserves and expected support from global development banks. The company is currently engaged in talks with several financial institutions to finalize the debt portion of the funding. Securing this capital would signal a high level of confidence in the long-term stability of the Ukrainian energy market.

The $1.2 billion Poltava Wind Farm stands as a major milestone in the effort to modernize the national energy infrastructure. As construction begins in 2025, the project will demonstrate the capacity of private enterprise to lead the transition toward a greener economy. The successful completion of this 650 MW facility will provide a template for future large-scale renewable investments. By focusing on decentralized power, the project ensures a more reliable and sustainable future for the national grid.