Ukraine began a trial synchronization of its electricity grid with the continental European power system, having operated in isolated mode since late February following the invasion by Russia.
The country's high-voltage transmission system disconnected from the Russian and Belarus grids Feb. 24, but it will now link with continental Europe following an urgent request for emergency synchronization. Moldova, which borders Ukraine to the southwest, will also connect its power grid with Europe as part of the plan.
"Continental Europe [transmission system operators] are now supporting the stability of the Ukrainian-Moldovan power system following a positive analysis which confirmed that an emergency synchronization is technically feasible with a number of measures to ensure safe and secure power systems," the European Network of Transmission System Operators said in a March 16 statement.
The association of transmission system operators said the synchronization was made possible by studies carried out since 2017 and by the adoption of risk mitigation measures.
The group described it as a significant milestone for grid operators in Europe, working alongside Ukraine's Ukrenergo NPC SE and Moldova's Moldelectrica "that are operating their respective power systems under extremely difficult circumstances."
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said the news "will help Ukraine to keep their electricity system stable, homes warm and lights on during these dark times."
"It is also a historic milestone for the EU-Ukraine relationship — in this area, Ukraine is now part of Europe," Simson said in a statement. Ukraine is not a member of the EU, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a membership application during the early days of Russia's invasion.
"[Ukraine] has become a member of [the European] Energy Union," Zelenskyy said on Twitter March 16 about the synchronization of his country's grid with Europe. "The unification of [Ukrainian and European] energy systems has been completed. Now [Ukrainian] electricity flows in [Europe] and vice versa."
Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including electricity grids, gas compressor stations and distribution networks, has come under attack by Russia. In early March, Russian troops seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after a night of shelling nearby.
The invasion poses a threat to nearly half of Ukraine's 9.5-GW installed renewable energy capacity, the Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association said March 10.
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