GCL-SI to build 1GW solar plant in Chernobyl

November 21, 2016
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

October 27, 2025
Australian solar developer, BNRG Leeson, has submitted plans for a 440MW solar PV facility in Victoria's Campaspe Shire to Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
October 24, 2025
The Saudi state-owned renewables developer Masdar has begun construction on a giant solar-plus-storage project in Abu Dhabi.
Sponsored
October 23, 2025
Tongwei's rooftop-focused TNC 2.0 G12R-48 module will be among the products on show at All Energy Australia next week.
October 23, 2025
Solar PV technology has maintained its leading position as the most cost-competitive power generation source in 2025, according to analyst Wood Mackenzie.
October 23, 2025
Spanish power electronics specialist Ingeteam has won a contract to supply inverters and control systems for European Energy Australia's 100MW Winton North solar-plus-storage project in northeast Victoria.
October 23, 2025
Powerlink Queensland is seeking federal approval to expand its existing 330kV Bulli Creek Substation in Southern Queensland to accommodate the grid connection of Genex Power's 775MW Bulli Creek solar PV power plant.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal