GCL-SI to build 1GW solar plant in Chernobyl

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
All that remains of the damaged reactor is the concrete sarcophagus, built shortly after the disaster to contain the radioactive waste. Source: Ben Willis

GCL-SI, a subsidiary of GCL, is to develop a 1GW solar PV plant at the former contaminated nuclear site in Chernobyl, Ukraine. Construction is expected to start in 2017.

It will be located in what is known as the ‘exclusion zone’ – the 30km² guarded areas around the original nuclear reactor hall that exploded in 1986 resulting in a historic tragedy.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The plant, which will be developed by GCL-SI in collaboration with the China National Complete Engineering Corporation (CCEC), is part of the Ukrainian government’s plans to revive the exclusion zone with renewable and safer energy sources.

The plan for the plant was announced in October by Ostap Semerak, the country’s minister of environment and natural resources: “Its cheap land and abundant sunlight constitute a solid foundation for the project. In addition, the remaining electric transmission facilities are ready for reuse,” he said.

Back in the summer however, any plans for development in the exclusion zone were vetted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); dealing with questions of bankability and environmental safety of any potential project. The EBRD confirmed that it will consider co-funding the solar plant if any environmental risks were addressed and other investors were in place.

Now, GCL-SI and the CCEC have stepped up the mark and will play a significant role in Chernobyl’s revival. The CCEC will assume the role of general contractor and will manage the overall project, with GCL-SI offering consultancy, planning and PV facility services.

“There will be remarkable social benefits and economical ones as we try to renovate the once damaged area with green and renewable energy. We are glad that we are making joint efforts with Ukraine to rebuild the community for the local people,” said Shu Hua, chairman of GCL-SI, in a statement.

“We have been dedicated to providing integrated solar services and will take diverse approaches this year to drive penetration and achieve global presence. The Chernobyl project is also one of our key steps to approach abroad.”

Once famous for up to 4GW of nuclear power, once the solar plant is completed, Chernobyl could be known for its tremendous solar capabilities. When plans were first announced to revive the exclusion zone, the Ukrainian government had designs to build a solar plant of a 4GW capacity.

10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

Premium
October 6, 2025
Talon PV aims to be the first US company to safely manufacture TOPCon cells at scale, backed by European technology and a crucial First Solar licensing deal.
October 6, 2025
Indian infrastructure company focused on rooftop and ground-based solar power installations, PVV Infra has secured solar power orders worth INR7.9 billion (US$90 million) through two of its subsidiaries. 
October 6, 2025
US utility AES Corporation is reportedly in discussions to be acquired by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a subsidiary of global asset owning giant BlackRock.
October 6, 2025
Indian solar developer ACME Group has established a new subsidiary to manage its renewable equipment manufacturing business, under which it is planning to scale production of TOPCon PV modules.
October 6, 2025
Rajasthan government will develop 500MW/2,000MWh of standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a four-hour single-cycle configuration and extended operational life.
October 3, 2025
Renewables developer Madison Energy Infrastructure has bought the US distributed generation assets of NextEra Energy Resources.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland