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The integrated power system of Ukraine (IPSU) currently works synchronously with Russia, Belarus, and Moldova. Today, only a small part of the Ukrainian power system – Burshtyn Energy Island (BEI) – is physically connected to European Union countries. BEI operates separately from the IPSU, so in the process of Ukraine’s overall synchronization with the European system, BEI will be connected to the IPSU. Connecting to the European network is key to reforming Ukraine's energy sector and will help balance the power system and reduce dependence on Russia. As a result of power system synchronization, Ukrainian electricity generators will gain access to new solvent markets, and Ukrainian traders and electricity suppliers will be able to diversify their resource portfolio, thereby increasing market competition and ensuring balanced operation of different segments of the Ukrainian electricity market. So, what will synchronization with the European system mean for Ukrainian consumers? Synchronization with the European energy market will give Ukrainian end consumers access to new suppliers at competitive prices, and thus provide reliable and high-quality electricity.

A poll of Ukrainian students by the NGO Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (NGO CSR Ukraine) found that just one percent are interested in a career in energy. Among other barriers, gender stereotypes deter girls from pursuing energy jobs: many people still feel that energy is a male business and not a career option for women. When girls and women hear these stereotypes and opt out of energy professions, it reinforces the gender imbalance in the sector, creating a cycle of exclusion.

On September 29, 2021, during a roundtable on “Market Concentration in the Burshtyn Electricity Trading Zone,” experts from the USAID Energy Security Project (ESP) and the Energy Community Secretariat presented an analysis and recommendations on market concentration in the wholesale electricity market and how to facilitate its liquidity. The analysis and recommendations were prepared at the request of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC). After the presentation, a lively discussion took place on developing mechanisms and approaches to address concentration in the wholesale electricity market and facilitate improved liquidity, as well as possible ways to ensure competition and promote market development.

On September 23, the USAID Energy Security Project (ESP), the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC), transmission system operator Ukrenergo, and the Energy Community Secretariat held a roundtable on electricity trading and supply under the new market model.

Attendees discussed the experiences of traders and suppliers as well as the needs and issues of market participants operating in the newly liberalized retail and wholesale electricity markets, then examined the prospects for these markets. Over 150 suppliers, traders, and NGO representatives in the field joined the discussion.

The field of renewable energy is growing and changing so rapidly that most people do not have up-to-date information—not only the public, but also journalists. This problem is particularly acute for regional media reporters. To fill this gap, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the initiative “Renewable Energy Education for Regional Journalists” through its Energy Security Project (ESP). ESP partnered with local non-governmental organization (NGO) Vinnytsia Press-Club to implement the initiative.

On August 13, at the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, in the presence of Mr. Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and Ms. Anna Bjerde, the World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, a package of agreements with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) was signed to support the implementation of the investment project “Ukraine – Increasing Power System Resilience for European Power Grid Integration Project (Installation of Hybrid Systems for Electricity Production in PrJSC UkrHydroEnergo)”.

The USAID Energy Security Project has passed its halfway point – three years have been successfully completed and an additional two years of work are ahead. USAID Energy Security Project’s Chief of Party Dean White outlines how the Project will continue contributing to energy resilience and thus Ukraine’s overall security. He explains how the Project proactively cooperates with the Ukrainian government, other diverse stakeholders as well as non-governmental organizations advance the role that Ukraine’s energy sector plays in furthering independence and expanding access to regional markets.

An agreement between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the city of Kyiv on providing the Ukrainian capital with a Euro 140 million loan to modernize its heat supply infrastructure and optimize business processes of CU “Kyivteploenergo” (KTE) was signed on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at the CHP-5 site in Kyiv.

A year ago, Yuliia Hryhorash chose the Renewable Energy Engineering specialization which Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (IFNTUO&G) started with USAID support through the Energy Security Project (ESP). When asked what prompted her to choose renewable energy, Yuliia said: “Strong RES growth in Ukraine and the sector's demand for qualified specialists. In addition, the...