EcoSKILL, an innovative educational retraining program for internally displaced persons in the field of solar energy, implemented at the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute,» has received the «Green Oscar» from Global 100 RE Ukraine. The initiative combines theoretical training with hands-on practice using modern equipment, and also provides for the subsequent employment of participants and support in starting their own businesses. The program brought together over a hundred participants and was recognized as the «Best Training Project for the Energy Transition». It is implemented by the public organization «Association of Young Scientists of NTU «KhPI» with financial support from Razom for Ukraine.
The EcoSKILL project, developed by the public organization «Association of Young Scientists of NTU «KhPI» with the support of Razom for Ukraine, was named one of the winners of the 100 gREen AWARD-2025. The awards ceremony took place in Kyiv with the participation of leading representatives from the government, business, and the energy sector. The event was opened by Oleksandr Dombrovskyi, Chairman of the Board of Global 100 RE Ukraine; Iryna Tykhomirova, President of the International Institute of Management; Artem Rybchenko, Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine; Hanna Zamazeyeva, Head of the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine; and Hennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A particularly emotional highlight of the evening was the participation of Ruslana—global ambassador for renewable energy, Ukrainian singer, and winner of Eurovision 2004.
According to Global 100 RE Ukraine, the award is given to the best completed projects in the field of green transformation in Ukraine. EcoSKILL was among the 18 laureates in its category. The program at NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» was recognized for its practical focus and for creating a real «bridge» to employment. This is evidenced by the involvement of a wide range of partners: «Kharkiv Volunteers Union Charitable Foundation», local employment centers, employers, and representatives of the renewable energy market. Over 100 internally displaced persons have joined the project since its launch.
Global 100 RE Ukraine emphasizes: «EcoSKILL is not just a pilot project, but a scalable model that can be adapted in other regions of Ukraine.» The organization also highlights that this case study demonstrates an important aspect of the green transition: it is not just about building new generating capacity or purchasing equipment, but also about developing human capital—reskilling, new career opportunities, and building the workforce needed for the energy transition. EcoSKILL’s strength lies in the combination of university expertise, international support, business demand, and a clear social mission.
Note:
A presentation of the new EcoSKILL course for TDPs in the field of solar energy was held at the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» in February 2025. A Roundtable discussion was held, bringing together more than two dozen representatives from various sectors: faculty and instructors from Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, businesspeople in the solar energy sector, including the «Ukrainian Solar Energy Association,» the Kharkiv Volunteer Union, the Kharkiv Employment Center, and other interested stakeholders.
The EcoSKILL project was launched at the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» in March 2025. The program lasts 2.5 months and includes courses on the installation and maintenance of solar power plants, hands-on training, workshops on running your own business, psychological support, and assistance with job placement through job fairs. In addition, participants will receive a separate training program focused on launching their own business in the solar energy sector.
Global 100 RE Ukraine is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the development of renewable energy in Ukraine. This organization works to accelerate the country’s energy transition and achieve energy independence based on clean and sustainable energy.