Ukraine to disconnect from power systems of Russia and Belarus in 2022

"The synchronization process enters the final straight. In 2022, the unified energy system of Ukraine will disconnect from the power systems of Russia and Belarus and will go into an isolated mode. After that, full synchronization with ENTSO-E will take place in 2023," Acting Minister of Energy of Ukraine Yuriy Vitrenko said during an online meeting with Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania Dainius Kreivys, the press service of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine informs.

As noted, the synchronization with ENTSO-E will ensure the demonopolization of the electricity market in Ukraine and help to implement effective transparent European rules and procedures in it.

The parties also discussed the synchronization of Ukraine's unified energy system with the power system of continental Europe, electricity imports from Belarus and cooperation in the implementation of a pilot project on the production of heat from biomass, the introduction of an electronic trading system.

In addition, Vitrenko outlined a number of tasks to speed up synchronization, including the modernization of energy infrastructure, generating equipment and networks. "We realize that Ukraine has a problem with the electricity supply from Europe at peak loads. Therefore, we are considering the possibility of expansion, construction of new generating capacities that would meet our needs," Vitrenko said.

It was also noted that Ukraine is dependent on the supply of nuclear fuel and coal from Russia. Therefore, the possibility of replacing this energy supplier is considered. The acting minister stressed that the strategic position of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine is not to support the electricity imports from Russia and Belarus, so the Ministry is working out the mechanisms for doing without such imports in the autumn-winter period.

In the context of electricity imports from Belarus, the officials touched upon the issue of the Astravets NPP in Belarus. "It is a geopolitical project: it poses a threat to Lithuania and Ukraine, so we must show solidarity by stopping its further development," Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys said.

The parties agreed to set up a joint working group to exchange information on the security situation at the Belarusian nuclear power plant, electricity imports from Russia, monitoring and analysis of energy supplies. The group will also share experiences on current synchronization projects.

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