On June 9, the DiXi Group think tank presented a summer review of the electricity and gas sectors. The event was dedicated to assessing the state of the power system on the eve of the summer period, which is a critical window for repairs and infrastructure preparation for the next autumn-winter period, as well as discussing whether decentralized generation is truly a systemic element of Ukraine’s new energy model.
Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association Andriy Konechenkov joined the discussion and shared his assessments of the development of wind energy and energy storage systems:
- Construction pace: Despite the war, wind power continues to be built. During the full-scale invasion, 703 MW of wind power projects have already been built, and about 500 MW more are expected to be built in 2026.
- Energy storage systems: last year, according to a survey of UVEA participants, 512 MW of UZE were installed. Since last year, the association has created a relevant committee and started developing this area, and the allocation of 100 MW of quota at auctions for hybrid projects “solar + UZE” is a very positive signal.
Olga Savchenko, Head of the UVEA Committee on Legal Issues and partner of the law firm Altelaw&Sempra, also participated in the discussion, and analyzed the impact of the new legislation on the sector:
- Updated auctions and new models: the adopted Law of Ukraine No. 4777-IX “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Improving Competitive Conditions for the Production of Electricity from Alternative Energy Sources” introduces important innovations. In particular, the term of “green” auctions has been extended until 2035, the entry threshold for participants has been lowered, and a transition to the modern European model of a pure market premium has been provided.
- Debt issue: the existing debt levels of the State Enterprise “Guaranteed Buyer” from previous years remain a significant obstacle. This significantly reduces institutional trust on the part of European financial institutions and inhibits the attraction of foreign capital.
«Changes are not happening as quickly as we would like, but I think that it is renewable energy sources that can help the energy sector the most quickly today», — Andriy Konechenkov emphasized.
The summer season is a kind of test of the power system’s ability to prepare for the coming winter and rethink its architecture. Renewable energy and storage systems are already proving their ability to strengthen energy independence, but a predictable regulatory framework, overcoming historical debts, and transparent instruments of cooperation between the state and investors are critical for large-scale and sustainable development.
