The NOVUS supermarket chain has completed comprehensive preparations for the autumn-winter period to ensure the uninterrupted operation of its stores even in the event of prolonged power outages. The total investment in energy independence and backup solutions amounted to UAH 385 million, according to the company’s press service.
“We realize that the operation of our supermarkets is a matter of Ukrainians’ access to everyday products, even in times of crisis. Therefore, energy independence has become one of the key areas of investment for NOVUS,” the press service quotes Dainius Tumenas, Deputy CEO for Asset Management at NOVUS.
Currently, all NOVUS stores are equipped with generators of various capacities. Their total installed capacity is 33.72 MW, which makes it possible to maintain the network’s operation even during periods of prolonged power outages. The total investment in energy efficiency and energy independence since the start of the full-scale war has reached UAH 385 million, of which UAH 272 million has been allocated to generators.
As noted, one of the breakthrough solutions for Ukrainian retail has been gas generators, which are more environmentally friendly than diesel generators and capable of simultaneously producing electricity, heat, and industrial cooling. The company has installed four units with a total capacity of 3 MW at two of its facilities.
“Gas generators help us remain stable in critical conditions and at the same time move us towards environmental friendliness and energy efficiency,” Tumenas emphasizes.
NOVUS has also formed a strategic reserve of diesel fuel – 168 tons (calculated for six days of autonomous operation of the entire network). In addition, a system of continuous fuel supplies has been established, which allows for a quick response to crisis situations.
At the same time, the company is developing renewable energy. Pilot projects in Novi Petrivtsi (Kyiv region) and at the logistics center have proven the effectiveness of solar panels: in the summer, they covered up to 65% of the supermarket’s energy needs. By the end of 2025, 15 NOVUS facilities will be operating on their own solar power generation with a total capacity of 3.34 MW. The total investment in this area is UAH 78.6 million.
“The future of retail lies in renewable energy sources. This is not only economically beneficial in the long term, but also provides an opportunity to build a more sustainable and responsible business,” explains Tumenas.
To improve energy efficiency in stores, a Building Management System (BMS) is being implemented, which allows remote control of lighting, ventilation, power supply, and other key processes.
An important step in reducing the carbon footprint was the purchase of the first corporate electric vehicles in 2025.
The chain also emphasizes that in the event of power outages, stores remain open not only for shopping but also as a support space where you can recharge your gadgets, warm up, and buy fresh produce.
The Novus supermarket chain is developed by BT Invest (Lithuania), a company founded in 2008 by former Sandora shareholders Raimondas Tumenas and the late Igor Bezzub.
The company is represented in the capital region, Ternopil, and Rivne. As of October 25, the chain has 141 locations (88 Novus, 51 Mi Market neighborhood stores, and two Khapayka discount stores).
According to YouControl, as of October 2025, the owner of Novus Ukraine with a 100% stake in the authorized capital was Consul Trade House CJSC (Vilnius, Lithuania). The ultimate beneficiaries are listed as Marina Poznyakova, Agne Ruzgiene, and Raimondas Tumenas.
According to the company’s financial results, at the end of the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year, its revenue increased by 21.5% to UAH 16 billion 293.739 million, The company received a net profit of 87.477 million compared to a net profit of 409 million 041 thousand UAH for the first half of 2024.
