Kyrylo Budanov on the risks of enemy attacks for the energy system of Ukraine: “It is possible to make life difficult. To completely destroy it is almost impossible”

Recently Kyrylo Budanov noted, that although Russian strikes on the Ukrainian energy sector can significantly complicate the operation of the energy system, it is almost impossible to destroy it with an attack. “The Soviet system was maximally branched and duplicated. It is possible to make life difficult. It is almost impossible to completely destroy it.” The head of GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine noted that the Ukrainian energy system has several types of protection.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes it possible to be calm about the uninterrupted functioning of the country’s energy infrastructure even in wartime conditions.

Algorithm of actions in case of failures or attacks on the domestic energy system

First of all, operational teams immediately go to the place to repair the damage and restore the power supply. Redundant power sources are used to support the operation of critical infrastructure. Electricity is then rerouted through alternative routes to minimize power outages. In case of serious disruptions, Ukraine can import electricity from neighboring countries. If necessary, standby generators and other energy sources are switched on to maintain the stability of the energy infrastructure.

Physical protection of energy infrastructure facilities

First of all, this concept refers to the physical protection of substations and power lines to prevent sabotage and vandalism. Important objects are protected from possible attacks using video surveillance systems, security alarms and patrols. In the conditions of war, special attention is paid to the protection of substations from drones and missile strikes. And, of course, ensuring cyber security and protecting critical infrastructure from hacker attacks.

The energy system of Ukraine is configured in such a way that in the event of failure of one line or substation, electricity can be redirected via alternative routes. This minimizes power outages. Power stations and substations have back-up capacity and systems that allow for quick restoration of power supply in the event of accidents or damage.

Operational protection

This type of protection involves automatic load shutdown and demand management. Systems that automatically disconnect consumers from the network in case of overload or failures are used here to prevent cascading outages. As well as programs that encourage consumers to reduce energy consumption during periods of peak demand. This is achieved through programs to encourage consumers to save and use intelligent control systems.

Of course, backup power sources – diesel generators and battery systems – are used to provide emergency power supply to important power system facilities. This makes it possible to maintain the operation of critical infrastructure in the event of accidents or attacks.

System protection thanks to the connection of the domestic power system to the European power grid

Ukraine is actively working on synchronizing its energy system with the European ENTSO-E network. This increases the system’s resilience and allows electricity to be imported in case of shortages. European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity is a European network of system operators of electricity transmission. It has been operating for 15 years and unites 43 operators from 39 European countries.

The main goal of the network is the integration of wind and solar energy into the energy system and the creation of an internal energy market. Synchronization of the energy system of Ukraine with ENTSO-E usually takes up to two weeks at the technical stage. The emergency synchronization, which took place in March 2022, was completed ahead of schedule.

Through the European network, the Transmission System Operator (TSO) is coordinated, which at the national or regional level ensures the transportation of energy from generating stations to distribution networks. The TSO manages the main power transmission lines to guarantee the uninterrupted supply of electricity.

The Transmission System Operator is extremely important in connecting solar and wind farms to the public grid. Finally, the TSO provides conditions for the efficient functioning of the electricity market, promoting competition and reducing prices for consumers. Transmission system operators include Ukrenergo in Ukraine, Red Eléctrica de España in Spain and National Grid in Great Britain.

International support

Ukraine receives financial and technical assistance from international organizations and partner countries to strengthen its energy security. These include humanitarian aid, clean energy partnerships and financial support.

Thus, Ukraine received more than 600 tons of energy equipment from Germany, Latvia, Norway, UAE, Ireland, Poland, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands. First of all, these are generators, transformers, cables, etc.

The G7 countries and their partners created the “Clean Energy Partnership” to restore and reform Ukraine’s energy sector. This includes liberalization of the electricity market, improvement of energy efficiency and involvement of the private sector.

International partners provide Ukraine with grants and financial assistance. For example, the United States allocated 25 million dollars for the recovery of the energy sector, and a grant of 200 million dollars was also signed to ensure the security of the energy sector.

Planning and modeling play a key role in power system management. Modern software complexes are used for forecasting demand and planning the operation of generation and networks.

What technologies are used to improve energy efficiency in Ukraine

In everyday life, it is an intuitive replacement of traditional lamps with LED lamps, which consume much less energy and have a longer service life. As well as the use of smart thermostats and lighting control systems that automatically regulate energy consumption depending on needs.

Heat pumps, which use heat from the air, water or ground for space heating and hot water supply, also reduce energy consumption. Installation of solar panels on the roofs of buildings is a state-of-the-art technology for generating electricity from renewable sources.

Energy efficiency is promoted not only by technologies that generate energy, but also by intuitive methods of domestic heat loss reduction that are available to the general public. First of all, it is the use of windows and doors with high thermal insulation properties, insulation of buildings, walls, roofs and floors, as well as ventilation systems with heat recovery, which make it possible to use the heat of the exhaust air to heat the fresh air entering the room.

Tatyana Morarash