Ukraine eyes billions in euros from Europe electricity exports

(EurActiv, 9 Jun 2022) Ukraine hopes to make €1.5 billion from electricity exports to the European Union by the end of the year and earn to more in the future after obtaining the right to export its energy there, a Ukrainian energy ministry adviser said on Wednesday (8 June).

Former Soviet Ukraine’s electricity grid began planning to decoupling itself from the Russian and Belarusian grid in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea. It was testing the system’s autonomy in February when Russia invaded, which prompted Kyiv to fully disconnect 2.5 years earlier than planned.

Ukraine applied in March to join European energy system ENTSO-E as soon as possible and on Tuesday it received the right to export its energy to Europe, Ukrenergo said on Wednesday (8 June).

Kadri Simson, the EU’s energy commissioner, hailed the decision as an “important step” in the integration of Ukraine’s electricity sector to the European power market and a “tangible sign” of the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine.

“I welcome the decision by the European TSOs to open electricity trade with Ukraine, following the successful emergency synchronisation in March,” Simson said in a statement.

“The process will be gradual and done under clear conditions agreed with our Ukrainian partners, so that the energy security for the region will be ensured,” she added.

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EurActiv, 9 Jun 2022: Ukraine eyes billions in euros from Europe electricity exports