Ukraine to increase electricity imports from EU to compensate for deficit

Ukraine's Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

Ukraine is negotiating for the maximum possible import of electricity from European Union countries to compensate for the generation capacities destroyed by Russian attacks, according to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

Currently, Ukraine can import no more than 1,700 MW of electricity from EU countries simultaneously.

"We are negotiating. Our task is to maximize this figure. Technically, we can receive over 2,000 MWh, even 2,400 MWh. I am confident that a decision will be made," he said.

He did not specify the exact volume of imports currently under discussion.

Electricity shortage

Since March, Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy sector have intensified, causing significant damage and power outages in many regions.

According to the government, these attacks have inflicted over $1 billion in damage to the sector, resulting in the loss of 8,000 MW of generating capacity.

Due to the electricity shortage, Ukrenergo has been forced to implement regular power outages for industrial consumers and the population while maintaining high import levels.

Problems with electricity production could have a potentially negative impact on the industry, especially on the largest electricity consumers, stated Ukraine's Ministry of Economy.

The negative impact on Ukraine's GDP from the shelling and electricity shortage is estimated at approximately 1%.