This forum reflects on the one-year anniversary of the synchronization of Ukraine and Moldova with the Continental European power grid. Following the successful emergency synchronization on March 16th, 2022, and Ukrenergo's acceptance as an observer member of the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) on April 26th, 2022, commercial exchanges of electricity began in June of that same year. However, after the first major attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine on October 11th, 2022, the export of electricity from Ukraine to Continental Europe was halted.
In February 2023, despite the many challenges in maintaining the stability of system, ENTSO-E agreed to increase the commercial power flows to Ukraine/Moldova to 700 MW at all hours. As of now, the current trade capacity limit is set at 400 MW from Ukraine/Moldova to Continental Europe and 700 MW in the opposite direction. TSOs will evaluate whether further increases to the trading capacity limits are possible, while prioritizing the stability and security of the power system. This increased trading capacity allows for the import of electricity to Ukraine and Moldova, helping to ensure a reliable electricity supply to consumers.
During the forum, the current state of play in the process will be discussed to identify which further steps are needed and how their implementation time could be potentially reduced. Furthermore, experts will discuss what regulatory and technical hurdles should be met before Ukraine can freely participate in the EU Internal Electricity Markets.