The resumption of electricity exports from Ukraine to Europe does not mean large-scale export of electricity from the country. It is only about small volumes that appear at certain hours due to a temporary generation surplus. About this said Vice President for Energy of the Ukrainian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Ukraine) Oleksandr Trokhymets.
According to him, the first deliveries amounted to literally dozens of megawatts — about 12 MW at certain hours when there is excess production in the power system.
"This is not 'exporting electricity from the country', as is often presented. It is a system balancing tool," — Trokhymets explained.
He noted that the decision on export is made by the dispatcher of NPC Ukrenergo and only when the system has a capacity reserve. If the balance deteriorates, the export is immediately stopped.
The reasons for the surplus are a seasonal increase in hydroelectric power generation due to spring floods, as well as an increase in solar power generation. During daytime hours, the power system sometimes produces more electricity than it can consume.
In such a situation, the expert explains, there are two options: limit the operation of power plants or sell the surplus to the external market. The second option allows energy companies to avoid production losses and obtain additional funds that the industry needs for repairs and recovery from attacks.
At the same time, for an energy system synchronized with Europe, it is normal to export and import electricity at different times of the day, depending on the balance of production and consumption.
