Electricity in Ukraine in 2022

In 2022, Ukraine's electricity consumption displayed a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources, which accounted for over 70% of the country's electricity generation. Nuclear power was the primary contributor, providing more than half of the country’s electricity, while hydropower, solar, and wind contributed smaller shares. Nearly 10% of electricity was generated from hydropower, while solar and wind combined accounted for about 6% of the energy mix. On the other hand, fossil energy sources composed about 28% of the electricity generation, with coal being the largest fossil contributor at around 21%, followed by gas at approximately 6%. This composition indicates a strong commitment to cleaner energy solutions, although there remains room for further reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, which have critical impacts on climate change and air quality.

Suggestions

To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Ukraine can expand its existing nuclear infrastructure, given that it already supplies a substantial portion of the country’s electricity. Learning from countries with successful renewable strategies is also crucial. For instance, Lithuania and Poland, which share regional similarities with Ukraine, have achieved notable portions of their electricity from wind power, demonstrating the potential for further wind energy development in Ukraine. Additionally, countries like Spain and Greece have leveraged both wind and solar energy effectively. By following these examples and capitalizing on its current infrastructure, Ukraine could diversify its low-carbon energy portfolio while continuing to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.

History

Historically, Ukraine's journey towards low-carbon electricity has had its ups and downs. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the nuclear sector experienced fluctuations with periods of both decline and growth. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw positive growth years for nuclear, notably with increases in 1996, 2000, and 2004. However, subsequent years presented challenges, with several downturns notably in 2009, 2013, and particularly 2022 where there was a significant decline in nuclear generation. A notable expansion in nuclear power in 2021 set a positive trend, which was disrupted in the following year. Meanwhile, hydropower experienced its own fluctuations, with significant growth in 1998 but a marked decline in 2014. Despite these challenges, the trajectory towards low-carbon solutions remains crucial for sustainable energy development in Ukraine.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources