The Poltava Oil Extraction Plant (POEZ) of the Kernel agricultural holding has officially switched to renewable energy sources certified by the international organization Bureau Veritas Group, the company’s press service reported on Facebook.
According to the report, the agricultural holding will fully supply POEZ with renewable energy from sunflower husks, thereby reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by more than 11,000 tons per year. In addition, autonomous power generation will ensure continuity of production and reduce risks to food security.
“This is another step towards transforming Ukraine into a sustainable, energy-independent, and innovative country that knows how to turn agricultural resources into strategic advantages. Now our consumers can make an informed choice and contribute to the green recovery of the country’s economy by supporting a producer of certified sustainable oil,” Kernel emphasized.
It is specified that POEZ became the first company in Ukraine’s food sector to join the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). In addition, it intends to support communities and supply surplus “green” energy to Ukraine’s power grid.
“This step is part of Kernel’s efforts to decarbonize and ensure climate resilience at every stage of our work: from the field to logistics,” the agricultural holding summarized.
The Poltava OEZ of the Kernel agricultural holding specializes in the production of sunflower oil under the Stozhar trademark. Previously, oil under this brand was produced in Vovchansk (Kharkiv region). With the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the work of the SEZ in Vovchansk was suspended and its capacities were transferred to the Poltava region. Before the war, the processing capacity of the Vovchansk SEZ was 330,000 tons of sunflower seeds per year. In turn, the Poltava SEZ is designed to process up to 430,000 tons of sunflower seeds per year and produces unrefined, refined, and hydrated vegetable oil, as well as meal.
Before the war, the Kernel agricultural holding company ranked first in the world in the production of sunflower oil (about 7% of world production) and its export (about 12%). It is one of the largest producers and sellers of bottled oil in Ukraine. In addition, it is engaged in the cultivation and sale of agricultural products.
In the first nine months of 2025, Kernel increased its net profit by 7% to $218 million, with revenue growing by 19% to $3.092 billion and EBITDA increasing by 4% to $398 million.
