EU raises electricity export capacity to Ukraine

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Commission welcomes rising electricity export capacity to Ukraine and Moldova.

The European Commission hailed today’s validation by the Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of Continental Europe that the electricity export capacity to Ukraine and Moldova from neighbouring EU nations can be raised for the winter. Based on a joint review of the power system conditions, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) announced on 29 Oct 2024 that the export limit can be raised from 1700 megawatts (MW) to 2100 MW from 1 December, while still assuring power system stability and operational security. 

How does the EU plan to ensure power stability?

According to ENTSO-E, since June 2024, following the collapse of numerous power plants in Ukraine and the predicted large electricity deficit during winter 2024-25, the Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of Continental Europe have assessed the feasibility of expanding the electricity export capacity from the neighbouring EU countries to Ukraine and Moldova while ensuring power system stability and operational security. From March 2025, TSOs will reassess the commercial capacity limitation between the EU Ukraine and Moldova every month. 

What role does ENTSO-E play in electricity exports?

ENTSO-E, the European Network of Transmission System Operators, denotes 40 electricity transmission system functions from 36 countries across Europe, thus expanding beyond EU borders.

What is the significance of the capacity increase announcement?

In her remarks, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, stated: “Today’s announcement is a further sign of the strong support that the EU is offering Ukraine and Moldova, and the solidarity of the European TSO community. This move to increase our connections with Ukraine and Moldova was one of the three priorities outlined by President von der Leyen in September to help Ukraine’s winter preparedness in the energy sector.”

Recently, on 19 September, President von der Leyen revealed new EU support for Ukraine’s energy security for the winter, at a joint press meeting with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol. She emphasised the necessity to address the immediate requirements of the country while making its energy system more resilient in the long term. ENTSO-E announcement is a crucial step to deliver on the steps the President presented to ensure electricity export requirements.