Where Energy Storage Meets Student Creativity to Brighten Lviv
At the beginning of October 2025, C2C-NewCap completed the installation of four solar-powered backup systems in the city of Lviv, Ukraine, ensuring that traffic lights continue to operate safely even during power outages.
This project, born from an international collaboration between C2C-NewCap, the Municipality of Cascais (Portugal), InnoEnergy, and the Schréder Together Fund, combines cutting-edge technology with a strong social purpose — keeping people safe on the roads while strengthening Lviv’s energy resilience.
Engineering in action: installing solar-powered UPS units that work all year round (Image credit: Roman Baluk)
“This challenge was a perfect match for our capabilities,” explains André Mão de Ferro, CEO of C2C-NewCap. “Lviv needed a robust, independent solution for critical infrastructure, and we were ready to act quickly and creatively to make it happen.”
Each unit integrates lithium-ion battery modules with custom-designed solar panels, providing several hours of backup power to keep intersections safe and running smoothly. The panels’ design maximizes sunlight throughout the year and prevents snow buildup in winter, ensuring reliable off-grid performance in Lviv’s harsh climate.
Snow or shine: curved panels ensure maximum energy capture in every season. (Image credit: Roman Baluk)
“Developing this system was like solving a puzzle,” adds Mão de Ferro. “We had to bring together expertise in batteries, mechanics, solar energy, and electronics — and make it all work within the city’s existing infrastructure. Our ability to work across multiple engineering areas gave us the flexibility and speed to meet the challenge.”
Beyond technology, the project also celebrates community and creativity. C2C-NewCap organized a children’s drawing contest at a local Lviv school to raise awareness about road safety. The winning artworks now decorate the UPS units installed around the city, transforming them into small public art pieces that remind everyone to stay safe on the road.
Little artists, big impact: students’ drawings now decorate the city’s traffic safety units. (Image credit: Roman Baluk)
Looking ahead, the Lviv pilot marks only the beginning. Several other Ukrainian cities face similar energy challenges, and C2C-NewCap’s modular approach could scale quickly to support more intersections and communities.
“For now, these four systems will be tested and optimized,” says Mão de Ferro. “But the goal is to expand — not just in Lviv, but to any city that needs reliable, clean energy for critical infrastructure.”
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