Distribution System Operators are the Keystone for Ukraine's Green Energy Transition

Thermal power generation24 September 2021

Distribution System Operators play a key role in Ukraine's green energy transition, which is in line with the European Green Deal. This was announced by representatives of the European Commission, the international energy communities Eurelectric and E.DSO at the round-table "DSOs on the path to the energy transition of Ukraine: new challenges, regulatory changes and investment opportunities." Ukraine’s power grids require investment for renovation and modernization. Investment incentives RAB tariffs are crucial for systemic investment in network renewal and development of their functionality for the growing renewable energy needs of modern cities and regions.

On September 16, for the first time ever, an international online round-table was organized dedicated to the future of DSO development, regulatory changes in Ukraine and investment opportunities of Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The event was held with the support of Eurelectric and E.DSO - the largest European associations representing the interests of DSOs.

Roberto Zangrandi, Secretary General at E.DSO, says that Distribution System Operators are the cornerstone of the green energy transition. Therefore, it is essential to ensure their flexibility, use and introduce the latest IT technologies.

“The green energy transition requires a powerful and modern grid infrastructure. Major investments are needed to accelerate the development of such infrastructure in Europe and Ukraine. The regulatory policy of the countries should enable the DSOs to address the urgent opportunities for the electric grids renewal and get them prepared for the active development of renewables,” says Roberto Zangrandi.

Ruta Baltause, Support Group for Ukraine of the European Commission, noted improvements in transparency and understanding the importance of network investments in Ukraine. Implementation the reform of the electricity market, as well as stable investment framework and the regulatory base ensuring the necessary investments taking place are essential for improving quality of grid services.

“DSO play an important role for integration of renewable energy sources and new technologies, such as smart grids, and for implementation of market-based flexibility solutions,” says Ruta Baltause emphasized.

Ivan Geliukh, CEO of DTEK Grids, says that the electricity market in Ukraine is rapidly changing, facing new trends such as the growth of renewable energy sources, prosumers, distributed resources and electromobility.

“The generation of grid-connected renewable energy facilities has grown 6 times over the past 4 years, and the number of electric vehicles has doubled. The focus on the consumer and his needs is growing every year. DTEK shares the European values of doing business, invests in digital transformation, the latest technologies, and innovations. Our goal is smart, reliable and sustainable networks to provide our customers with reliable power supply and European service,” says Ivan Geliukh.

Ivan Geliukh said that DTEK considers the stimulating investments RAB tariffs as an important step towards the modern technological infrastructure of networks. They made it possible to launch a program named Big Network Renovation in 2021. This program meets the needs of customers, the regions where the company operates, and the goals of the green energy transition. The company focuses on investing in digitalization and automation of its networks.