ENERGY ACT FOR UKRAINE FOUNDATION
Why is electricity consumption also high in summer? Why do blackouts continue?
The summer season in Ukraine is traditionally associated with holidays, hot days and outdoor recreation. This year, however, the summer heat has additional consequences for the country's energy system. High temperatures, shelling and other factors have a significant impact on the stability of electricity supply. Let's take a closer look at why electricity consumption remains high in summer and why blackouts continue.
Increased electricity consumption
One of the main reasons for the increase in electricity consumption in summer is abnormally high temperatures. Average daily electricity consumption has increased significantly compared to previous months. This increase is due to the need to cool the premises. The average daily electricity consumption in Ukraine usually increases by 15-20% during this period compared to other seasons, which puts an additional strain on the power grid. At this time, air conditioners and fans, which are the main devices used to combat the heat, operate at full capacity. In Ukraine, where the average daily electricity consumption in summer can reach more than 300 million kWh, the need for air conditioning becomes especially critical. In urban areas, where the use of air conditioners is much higher, the load on the electricity grid increases even more. The summer season is also a time for intensive use of electricity in agriculture, where irrigation systems and other devices are used to maintain the harvest. In Ukraine, where the agricultural sector is a significant part of the economy, these needs add another layer of stress to the energy infrastructure.
Reduced electricity imports
An additional challenge is the reduction in electricity imports from European countries. In the summer of 2024, Europe is experiencing abnormally high temperatures, which is leading to an increase in electricity consumption in EU countries. This reduces the opportunities for electricity exports to Ukraine, which affects the overall balance of the power system. In our energy system, imports take only 2-3 place among all energy sources, so a decrease in imports has a significant impact on the overall balance of the energy system.
Summer repair campaign
The summer period is traditionally used to carry out repairs at energy facilities. This is necessary to ensure uninterrupted operation of power plants in winter. Maintenance activities include equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements and troubleshooting. This process can lead to a temporary reduction in available capacity, which further complicates the situation with electricity supply. This year, another reason for the repair work was the impact of eight russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian power grid since the beginning of the year.
On 22 March, the russian occupation army attacked Ukraine's largest hydroelectric power plant, Dniproges, and completely destroyed the Zmiivska TPP in Kharkiv region. Ukrhydroenergo stated that it would take years to restore Dniproges.
On 11 April, a massive attack by the russian federation completely destroyed the Trypillia TPP in Kyiv region. Centrenergo reported that it had lost 100% of its generation.
On 16 April, Energy Minister Galushchenko said that Ukraine had lost 7 GW of power generation. On 5 May, he said that Ukraine had lost more than 8 GW of generation.
On 5 May, Russians shelled Sloviansk thermal power plant.
On 8 May, DTEK reported the shelling of three more TPPs.
Impact of the hostilities
It is also important to take into account the consequences of the hostilities. Currently, 50% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been damaged by Russian attacks since 2022. As of July 2024, 533 settlements are without electricity. 80% of thermal power plants have been destroyed. 40% of hydroelectric power plants were destroyed. 9 GW of capacity with an average consumption of 12 GW was lost. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that $1 billion in damage was incurred.
Thus, the summer heat wave, reduced imports, summer repair campaign and the effects of the hostilities are affecting the stability of electricity supply in Ukraine. Understanding these factors will help to better prepare for possible outages and promote efficient electricity consumption. Conscious electricity consumption is not only about taking care of your own comfort, but also about contributing to the future of our country. Reducing the load on the energy system helps to conserve resources and ensure the stability of electricity supply.