Smart Grid: Ukraine on the path to an energy revolution
Ukraine is actively implementing Smart Grid technology, which will become the basis for safe, efficient and stable operation of the power system in the face of modern challenges.
What is a Smart Grid and why is it important?
A Smart Grid is an intelligent power grid that combines modern digital technologies to manage electricity distribution. It is able to automatically respond to changes in demand and supply, reduce losses and optimize the operation of the power system.
For Ukraine, the implementation of a Smart Grid is of strategic importance, because war and systemic damage to power grids require rapid infrastructure renewal and increased resilience to external factors. Intelligent power systems also allow reducing dependence on traditional energy sources by integrating solar and wind power plants.
Where is Smart Grid already operating in Ukraine?
Despite the difficulties, Smart Grid technology is gradually being implemented:
Kyiv region - DTEK is implementing a project to modernize power grids, introducing automated substations and digital control systems.
Ternopil region - an electricity consumption monitoring system has been introduced, which allows avoiding network overloads.
Khmelnytskyi region - decentralized generation and integration of local solar power plants are actively developing.
For example, DTEK, owned by Rinat Akhmetov, presented an ambitious plan for the post-war restoration of energy infrastructure in the Kyiv region. It involves the creation of a new modern network that will operate on the basis of the innovative Smart Grid system. It must be resistant to the challenges of war and effectively integrate renewable energy.
The project involves large-scale construction over the next decade and is estimated at 2.4 billion euros in investment. According to the plan, after approval by the Ministry of Energy, an extensive "smart" network will be built, which will include 20 thousand kilometers of new power transmission lines (both underground and overhead), 250 substations, 6,000 transformers and almost a million smart meters.
"This project will provide Kyiv region with a new generation of infrastructure. "A Smart Grid of international level will become the basis for Ukraine's energy transition and strengthen its role as a potential green energy center in Europe," commented DTEK CEO Maksym Timchenko.
The first stage will be a three-year pilot launch of a new network in one of the most severely affected areas - Irpin, Bucha and Borodyanka. It is in this energy hub that DTEK plans to test key elements of the innovative system. The company expects to raise 145 million euros to implement the pilot.
Key advantages of the Smart Grid
The implementation of the Smart Grid provides a number of key advantages, such as reducing electricity losses, as modern technologies allow for automatic regulation of energy flows, minimizing network overload. Stability of supply - the system can independently redirect electricity in the event of accidents or damage. Among the advantages is also the integration of renewable energy - the ability to effectively combine solar and wind power plants. In addition. This is also energy security - protecting the system from cyber threats and physical attacks.
Despite its successes, Ukraine needs to address a number of challenges for large-scale implementation of the Smart Grid. First of all, with financing - billions of investments are needed to modernize the energy system. Ukraine also needs to adapt norms and standards for the effective use of new technologies and adapt legislation, train specialists who can work with digital energy systems. An important aspect is cybersecurity - the introduction of technologies to protect against cyberattacks and third-party interference.
Prospects for the development of the Smart Grid in Ukraine
Given the global trend towards "smart" energy systems, Ukraine has the potential to become a leader in the digitalization of power grids. Attracting foreign investors can significantly accelerate the transition to the Smart Grid.
And the creation of a national program for the development of energy infrastructure will help systematize the modernization process. Supporting Ukrainian IT startups in the energy sector can contribute to the development of domestic technological solutions.
Smart Grid is not just a technology, but a strategic direction for the development of Ukraine's energy sector. Smart grids will help optimize consumption, reduce dependence on centralized energy sources, and increase the security of the entire system.
Despite the challenges, the transition to a Smart Grid is inevitable, and its implementation should become a priority for the energy sector of Ukraine.
Master plans and state-level strategies
According to Ruslan Slobodyan, Head of the State Energy Supervision Service, who heads a special working group on the implementation of the relevant Cabinet of Ministers' order, currently energy market participants have different levels of readiness for the implementation of elements of smart energy. The main phase of the implementation of this system is expected over the next decade, and distribution system operators (DSOs) will play a key role in this process. At the first stage, companies are recommended to develop master plans that should be consistent with their long-term development strategies.
According to Artem Martyniuk, director of Ukrainian Distribution Networks JSC, in six state-owned DSOs managed by this company (Khmelnytskoblenergo JSC, Mykolaivoblenergo JSC, Zaporizhzhiaboblenergo PJSC, Ternopiloblenergo JSC, Cherkasioblenergo PJSC and Kharkivoblenergo JSC), the level of telemechanization of substations with a voltage class of 35–110 kV has already reached 65%. In some regions, this indicator is higher: for example, in Ternopil region — 100%. Among the regions, Kyiv is the leader, where all 64 substations and 223 10 kV distribution points are telemechanized.
Many DSOs also have ongoing projects to create fiber-optic communication infrastructure. At the same time, according to URM, among state-owned regional energy companies, PJSC Cherkasioblenergo is the most advanced in implementing automated control and monitoring systems for power grids (such as SCADA, OMS, ASKOE). In parallel, dispatching points are being modernized and expanded in most state regional energy companies.
Of particular interest is the pilot project to develop a Smart Grid in areas of the Mykolaiv region that have suffered significant damage as a result of hostilities. The project involves not only the implementation of intelligent solutions, but also the transition to modern 20/0.4 kV networks, which are gradually replacing the outdated Soviet 10/0.4 kV. The initiative was launched on October 4, 2022, after the signing of a memorandum between the Minister of Energy German Galushchenko and the International Energy Cluster. Lithuania supported the implementation of the project by providing UAH 8.2 million for its development.
One of the key indicators of the effectiveness of Smart Grid implementation is the reduction of the SAIDI index (average duration of consumer outages). Currently, in rural areas of Ukraine, this index sometimes exceeds 1000 minutes per year. For comparison: in 2019, the average indicator in EU countries was 160 minutes for planned outages and 102 minutes for emergency outages.
Yuriy Atanov, specially for "Ukrainian Energy"
