Urgent appeal for energy conservation amidst ongoing attacks in Ukraine

On Tuesday, Ukrainian authorities issued an urgent appeal for citizens to use electricity sparingly as the country grapples with the challenges posed by constant Russian air attacks targeting power infrastructure. The warning comes at a time when low temperatures are exacerbating the demand for energy, particularly for heating homes, creating a delicate balance between meeting the needs of the population and safeguarding against potential power outages.

The demand for energy has surged due to the plummeting temperatures in the region, posing a significant challenge for Ukraine. Despite the ongoing conflict and regular shelling of Ukrainian infrastructure by Russian forces, the latest attacks did not cause significant damage to the country's energy system, as reassured by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

"The situation is under control, and we have a safety margin. No planned shutdowns are expected"
stated Prime Minister Shmyhal.

However, he emphasized the rapid increase in electricity consumption, which exceeded the previous day's values by 6% this morning. The additional load heightens the risk of failure, prompting the Prime Minister to appeal for solidarity among Ukrainians during these exceptional circumstances.

Ukraine. The demand for energy is growing

To mitigate the strain on the energy system, the Prime Minister urged citizens to save electricity. Representatives from the energy sector echoed this call, specifically urging individuals to turn off high-power devices. Additionally, entrepreneurs were encouraged to contribute by turning off unnecessary lighting on signs, advertisements, and shop windows.

"This collective effort can save up to 200-400 MW, equivalent to the output of several heat generation units. Such savings are critically necessary for our energy system at this moment", emphasized Denys Szmyhal, underlining the significance of individual and collective actions in addressing the energy crisis.

As Ukraine faces the dual challenge of external aggression and increased energy demand due to frigid temperatures, the government seeks the cooperation of its citizens and businesses in conserving electricity to ensure the stability of the energy grid. This call for solidarity reflects the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity and the importance of collective action during times of crisis.

December 2023 saw Ukraine breaking its annual record for electricity imports

 In December 2023, Ukraine witnessed a record-breaking surge in electricity imports, reaching 232,950 MWh, nearly quadrupling the volume from November and marking the highest for the year, according to ExPro calculations.

The sole instance of electricity export occurred on December 31, with 210 MWh supplied to Moldova, facilitated by the state-owned company "Ukrhydroenergo." The notable increase in electricity imports occurred towards the end of the month, coinciding with the Christmas holidays. The growth was fueled by lower prices in neighboring European markets, prompting heightened import activities. Deliveries were observed throughout most hours of the day from December 22 onwards.

In comparison to December 2022, imports surged a staggering 75 times. Throughout 2023, the majority of electricity imports were sourced from Slovakia, constituting 69% of the total. Conversely, Ukraine primarily exported electricity to Moldova and Slovakia, accounting for 40% of the overall electricity export for the year.