Electricity in Ukraine in 2022

Currently, Ukraine's electricity consumption is largely dominated by low-carbon and clean energy sources. More than half of the electricity comes from nuclear power, contributing about 55% to the total electricity generated. Hydropower and solar energy also play a notable role, making up 10% and 5%, respectively. Wind contributes a smaller, though significant, share of approximately 1%. In contrast, fossil energy sources make up a smaller proportion of the electrical grid, with coal and gas providing around 21% and 6%, respectively. Overall, fossil fuels are responsible for just over a quarter of the electricity generation in Ukraine, which supports the country's commitment to clean and sustainable energy.

Suggestions

To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Ukraine can invest in expanding its nuclear power capabilities. Given its strong foundation in nuclear energy, scaling up existing plants or constructing new ones would be an effective strategy. Additionally, Ukraine can adopt best practices from other countries that have successfully integrated large amounts of wind energy into their grids. For instance, Denmark is leading with wind energy contributing 61% of its electricity, followed by Uruguay at 36%, and Ireland at 34%. Closer to home, Lithuania also has a significant share of 22% in wind energy. Studying regulatory frameworks, investment strategies, and technological advancements from these countries can provide invaluable insights for Ukraine to boost its wind energy capacity.

History

Ukraine's history in low-carbon electricity has seen significant fluctuations, especially in nuclear power. In 1986, nuclear electricity generation experienced a critical drop of 10.6 TWh, but the subsequent years saw a rebound, with increases of 7.7 TWh in 1987 and a substantial 21.6 TWh in 1988. Throughout the 1990s, nuclear energy showed both ups and downs, such as a decline of 6.4 TWh in 1994, followed by an increase of 9.1 TWh in 1996. The early 2000s featured further growth, with notable gains in 2000 and 2004. However, there were significant dips too, particularly in 2009 and 2013, each recording a drop of 6.9 TWh. Moving towards the 2020s, the nuclear sector faced another substantial decrease of 24.1 TWh in 2022, evidenced by fluctuations like a smaller loss in 2020 and a brief rise in 2021. Understanding and addressing these historical trends is crucial for planning a stable, low-carbon energy future for Ukraine.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources