Ukraine's recovery and integration into the EU are two closely interlinked processes, says German Galushchenko

Ukraine continues to integrate its energy markets with European markets, and one of the key events in this process was the exceptional synchronization of the Ukrainian energy system with the European ENTSO-E.

This was stated by the Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko, speaking at the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC) forum in Zagreb.

The Minister of Energy emphasized that the synchronization had been the result of a long and well-prepared process that had began back in 2017, and thanked the European and American partners who had helped accelerate the synchronization.

"It was a serious test because we disconnected from the russian and belarusian power systems a few hours before the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. We clearly understood that we would not return to a single power grid with the aggressor and would operate in an isolated mode for as long as necessary. In 21 days, on March 16, we synchronized with the continental European system," reminded German Galushchenko.

The Minister assumed that one of the reasons for the russian attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities was the country's accession to the European market and the start of electricity exports, which helped Europe reduce its dependence on russian gas and coal. 

The Ministry of Energy also presented to the participants of the event a vision of the future Ukrainian energy system based on the following strategic directions defined by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy: clean and safe energy, based on a decentralized energy system. 

"The decentralization of generating capacities is one of the most important short-term tasks, especially in view of preparations for the next heating season. We will do it as quickly as possible. Gas turbines and gas piston generation, as well as renewable energy sources, can play a key role here," added German Galushchenko. 

In the medium term, it is also planned to increase the share of nuclear generation in electricity production.

Moreover, the Minister of Energy appealed to the senior representatives of the forum to increase pressure on the aggressor country, in particular, to impose sanctions against the russian nuclear industry. 

"In the civilized world, they cannot be participants in the nuclear technology market. russia has violated all seven principles of nuclear and radiation safety, they have destroyed the established order contrary to all international agreements on nuclear safety," emphasized German Galushchenko.