The energy situation in Ukraine remains complicated, and one of the main factors that threaten the stability of the power system is the restriction on import of electricity, in particular through existing price capes. They significantly limit the ability to import and can lead to even greater problems with energy supply, in particular for the population.
This was stated by Volodymyr Omelchenko, Director of Razumkov Center. According to him, the power deficit in the power system remains critical, and the situation worsens due to two main factors. The first is limited import of electricity. Since Ukraine has an import from the European Electric Systems Network (ENTSO-E) at 2.1 GW, but we use only about 30% of this limit through priceapa. According to Omelchenko, these price capes make electricity imports from abroad economically disadvantageous, which threatens the country's energy security.
The expert also noted that although the government is trying to avoid mass shutdowns to the population, energy and industry problems are caused by energy supply problems. In view of this, the main rate will make the government to limit energy consumption in the industrial sector, not among the population.
The second important call is the low level of filling of underground gas storage facilities. It also affects the power system, as much of the energy capacity works on natural gas. Omelchenko noted that in order to compensate for gas deficiency, the country is forced to import it at high prices, which further complicates the situation.
Oleksandr Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Research Center, also noted that existing regulatory restrictions complicate electricity imports, even when it is necessary to avoid shutdowns.
Experts predict that these factors can lead to the threat of further shutdowns and the need for significant changes in Ukraine's energy policy.
