It has been one year since the emergency synchronisation of the Continental European power system with the power systems of Ukraine and Moldova.
According to ENTSO-E, thanks to the support of Continental European TSOs, Ukrenergo has been able to increase the stability of the grid and maintain the security of its power system through the most difficult periods. In particular, it contributed to minimising the incidents of having to reduce or turn off the supply of electricity to its businesses and citizens in the winter times and also to ensure a faster recovery time for system restoration following the significant attacks and damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The synchronisation played an important role in managing the challenging winter. With the onset of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the synchronisation allowed Ukraine and Moldova to import electricity during the most difficult periods. By opening the possibility of Ukrainian electricity exports in June 2022, it demonstrated the significance of the interconnection for commercial exchanges between the EU and Ukraine.
ENTSO-E said to be proud that in April 2022, Ukrenergo became an observer Member of ENTSO-E reinforcing our essential and effective cooperation contributing to the security of the interconnected power system.
ENTSO-E TSOs are committed to supporting Ukrenergo in maintaining a strong and resilient network, reinforcing and expanding existing power lines and providing assistance when necessary.
“During the past year, Ukraine’s power sector and civil infrastructure have been under Russia’s deliberate and targeted attacks,” said European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. “But Ukraine has resisted and rebuilt. The joint operation to synchronise Ukrainian and Moldovan electricity networks in record time meant that Ukraine avoided lasting blackouts and an escalation of the already critical conditions that millions of citizens faced. The synchronisation process, in which ENTSO-E paid a crucial role, is a demonstration of true European unity in action.”
“Today we can proudly mark not only the anniversary of the successful synchronisation of the Ukrainian power system with ENTSO-E but also a year of its resilience,” added Volodymyr Kudrytskiy, CEO Ukrenergo. “Working side by side with European partners, the Ukrainian energy sector managed to survive probably the most difficult winter in its history and withstand the challenges of the war. Synchronous work with the European continental grid played a significant role in helping Ukraine to prevent Russia to carry out its criminal plan to plunge our country into darkness. Despite hundreds of Russian missiles and dozens of drones, there is still light in Ukrainian homes, and it will always be like that. Therefore, being a member of the European energy family and feeling this unwavering support, the Ukrainian energy sector continues to work for the energy security and sustainable energy future of the region.”
The TSOs of Continental Europe agreed to start the trial synchronisation of the two power systems. This process had been ongoing since 2017 and the acceleration of its implementation was only possible thanks to the studies previously carried out and the adoption of risk mitigation measures.
