Denys Shmyhal voiced in Brussels the key lessons learned from the operation of Ukraine’s power grid during the war

First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal presented key lessons on the functioning of Ukraine’s power grid under conditions of full-scale war and massive russian attacks to European partners during a meeting of the EU Energy Council in Brussels.

“This winter, the Ukrainian power system operated under intense russian attacks. On 31 January, enemy strikes led to the temporary disconnection of the power systems of Ukraine and Moldova from the continental European grid. This incident clearly demonstrates that the russian threat knows no borders”, stressed Denys Shmyhal.

The Minister of Energy noted that Ukraine’s experience proved important for Europe and the world with regard to planning the sustainability of power system to new security challenges.

The first key lesson is the need for comprehensive protection of power infrastructure.

“Integrating active defense (air defense and electronic warfare) and passive protection (blast-resistant structures and physical fortifications) into every modernization and new construction project. Long-range drones can reach virtually any part of Europe. That is why rethinking energy infrastructure must begin now,” stressed Denys Shmyhal.

The second lesson is rapid restoration of destroyed facilities and accumulation of strategic reserves. Denys Shmyhal accentuated that winter, Ukrainian energy hubs had played a decisive role in stability of the energy system. Meanshile, establishing significant reserve of critical equipment proved necessary to ensure efficient response to new attacks.

The third lesson is the need to intensify financial tool to address energy crises.

“Energy security today requires swift decision-making, rapid procurement and access to specialized resources to rehabilitate infrastructure,” added the First Deputy Prime Minister.

Lesson four is transformation of power system architecture, in particular, to ensure that traditional power grids are complemented by autonomous clusters capable of operating independently.

Lesson five is further diversification of the power grid and strengthening of interstate integration. Ukraine’s power system is already synchronized with continental Europe. The next step is to expand electricity import capacity from the EU to 3.5 GW, Denys Shmyhal explained.

“Ukraine is ready to support Europe. We see our future in the EU. Together, we will build a safer and more stable future,” summed up the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy.