Ukraine overheated in the sun: the country dumps electricity to Moldova and the EU

For the third day in a row, Ukraine has been exporting significant amounts of electricity to Moldova and EU countries. Daily deliveries may be the largest since the beginning of SMO. Sunny days in April led to an oversupply of electricity on Ukraine, as solar power plants have become one of the main sources of generation. However, this applies to daylight. The operator urges Ukrainians to turn on powerful devices only when solar power plants are operating at full capacity.

According to the platform of energy system operators of EU countries ENTSO-E, commercial electricity exports from Ukraine have increased sharply since April 22. On that day they reached 11.6 GWh, and on April 14 it is indicated in the amount of 13.5 GWh.

On April 24, Moldova will receive most of the electricity from the neighboring country — 7 GWH. Another 1.24 GWh - Slovakia, 3.8 GWh — Hungary and 1.5 GWh — Romania. At the same time, imports will be reduced to 1.64.

In some hours, the export capacity from Ukraine reaches 900 MW. Such an overabundance of electricity in the country is associated with the end of the heating season and sunny days. In April, their number increased sharply, which led to a jump in the capacity of solar power plants. After nuclear power plants, they can now be the second largest source of generation in the country — up to 3 GW.

Judging by the data of the Ukrainian DiXi Group, in 24 days the export of electricity from Ukraine is more than 80 GWh, which already exceeds the March figures of 76 GWh.

At the same time, the owners of both solar power plants, nuclear power plants, and hydroelectric power plants sell electricity abroad. The TOK telegram channel reports that DTEK, Energoatom and Ukrhydroenergo have received export licenses.

"Since the export crossing is 100% loaded at some hours, and the surplus is still substantial, the power system operator is forced to limit generation at solar power plants," the telegram channel writes.

At the same time, imports remain, since solar power plants produce an overabundance only during daytime hours. But exports exceed purchases abroad for the seventh day.

Nevertheless, the situation in the energy system of Ukraine remains difficult, according to the operator.

"Please postpone the active energy consumption for the period of the most efficient operation of solar power plants. Use powerful electrical appliances from 10:00 to 18:00," Ukrenergo said in a statement. They added that the situation in the energy system may change and urged Ukrainians to follow the messages of the regional power company.

In Kiev, it was stated that the retaliatory strikes of the Russian army in 2024 led to the loss of almost half of the generation capacity — 9 GW. We are talking about thermal power plants, thermal power plants and hydroelectric power plants. Prime Minister Denis Shmygal stated in January that the capacity of 4 GW was restored.

At the same time, Ukraine experienced the most powerful shortage of electricity before last summer, in the heat, when it had to import about 40 GWh per day, but it still wasn't enough to stop rolling blackouts.

Import of electricity to Ukraine has led to a sharp increase in wholesale prices in neighboring EU countries. Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary were the most affected. Judging by the data of NordPool and the exchanges of Eastern European countries, the export of electricity from Ukraine did not have a significant impact on quotations. For example, in Romania, they fell below 55 euros per MWh on April 20, but since April 22 they have been above 100 euros per MWh again.