Pysanka Solar Power Plant E&S Assessment

Client: EBRD

The Pysanka Solar Power Project is a renewable energy initiative located in the south of Ukraine, developed and owned by the Ukrainian group Kernel. The project involves the construction and operation of a solar power plant and an associated 110 kV grid connection, aiming to contribute to Ukraine’s sustainable energy production and carbon reduction commitments. To support project financing, the EBRD contracted AVG as an independent consultant to undertake a comprehensive Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) in accordance with the Bank’s 2024 Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) and relevant Environmental and Social Requirements (ESRs).

PROJECT PHASES AND TASKS:

Phase 1: Identify risks and confirm categorization

Assess Project-related E&S impacts and risks to confirm the formal Project categorization.

Phase 2: Characterize baseline conditions

Describe a relevant E&S baseline commensurate with the risks posed by the Project, including physical, biological, and socio-economic factors.

Phase 3: Assess E&S impacts

Evaluate potential impacts (including cumulative and supply chain risks) and propose mitigation measures across all project lifecycle stages.

Phase 4: Develop assessment documentation

Prepare a draft E&S Assessment report covering the Bank’s requirements, including a Compliance Summary table against the EBRD ESRs.

Phase 5: Draft action and engagement frameworks

Prepare a draft Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and a Non-Technical Summary (NTS).

Phase 6: Identify supplementary needs

Determine if additional specialized studies (e.g., biodiversity, resettlement, retrenchment) are required.

Phase 7: Finalize deliverables

Incorporate feedback from the EBRD, co-lenders, and the Client to finalize the documentation package.

KEY RESULTS:

Desktop Review & Site Visit: Conducted a thorough evaluation of existing EIAs, permitting processes, land acquisition records, and media coverage. Executed a site visit to verify historical E&S issues, observe contractor management controls, and understand the proximity of sensitive receptors and neighbouring operations.
E&S Assessment Delivery: Delivered a detailed E&S Assessment Report detailing legal requirements, baseline conditions, and potential contamination risks. The report assessed direct, indirect, cumulative, and supply chain risks as required by EBRD ESR 1.
ESR Gap Analysis: Formulated a detailed gap analysis comparing local/national permitting requirements with the EBRD ESRs, explicitly verifying compliance and identifying areas requiring alignment.
Action Planning (ESAP): Developed a standalone Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) to bring the operation into full compliance. All required tasks were structured as explicitly descriptive and separate actions for compliance auditing—ensuring technical actions were not consolidated—with clear timelines, completion indicators, and responsible parties.
Stakeholder Engagement & Disclosure: Prepared a tailored Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) in strict compliance with EBRD ESR 10, alongside a concise, standalone Non-Technical Summary (NTS) to facilitate public disclosure and transparent community engagement.

Pysanka Solar Power Plant E&S Assessment

PROJECT PHASES AND TASKS:

KEY RESULTS:

Relevant services