16 March 2024 marks the second anniversary of the synchronisation of the electricity grids of Ukraine and Moldova with the Continental European Network, according to the European Commission in a press release published on Friday 15 March.
This synchronisation, achieved in less than 3 weeks with the help of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and the European Commission, was designed to address energy security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Faced with a deficit in its electricity network due to Russia’s actions, Ukraine has considerably increased its electricity imports from Europe, with the total volume of electricity transferred between the two networks rising from 13.6 million kWh in 2021 to 58.53 million kWh in 2023.
Synchronisation has also stimulated competition in electricity trade, with more companies taking part in the auctions.
In 2023, Ukrainian transmission system operator (TSO) Ukrenergo complied with ENTSO-E’s requirements, becoming a full member on 1 January 2024. Future cooperation with the Moldovan TSO Moldelectrica aims to achieve similar compliance.
“Integration means new opportunities for electricity exchanges, more investments, and, above all, a new level of energy security, which will be enhanced by joint efforts from now on”, welcomed the CEO of Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)