CURRENT STATE AND TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEM IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article discusses contemporary issues of ensuring energy security in Ukraine. A brief overview on the modern energy system which comprises power plants of different types, electrical and thermal networks operating in the manufacturing sector, in transmission and distribution of electrical and thermal energy. The study considers the following types of power plants in the energy system of Ukraine: nuclear, thermal, hydroelectric and hydropower stations as well as power plants working with alternative (renewable) energy sources. It is argued that the ratio of energy sources and the energy system balance is the core basis to provide the national energy security and maintain stable power supply subject to different external environment factors. The findings have revealed the dominance of coal and natural gas production in the overall energy balance of Ukraine. However, the study of import and export trends demonstrates the prevalence of energy imports, in particular coal, oil and gas. It is observed that currently, alternative energy sources are at the infant development stage. The study of alternative energy supply in Ukraine shows that over 2018–2020 the capacity of such power plants increased by 7%, in particular, the capacity of wind stations grew by 2.3 times and solar – by 4.3 times, thus exhibiting respective change in energy output. It is also observed that during the period under consideration, the renewable energy output dropped by 17.1% while wind power production increased by 2.8 times and solar – by 5.2 times, respectively. According to the results, over 2018–2020 the capacity of wind power plants increased from 0.9% to 2.0% of the total domestic output, and solar – from 2.3% to 9.4%; as to production, the share of energy generated by wind power increased from 0.8% to 2.4%, and solar – from 0.7% to 4.1%. Given the current trend of increasing energy output generated from alternative sources, there is reason to tap a growing interest in the activities of companies offering power generating equipment in the Ukrainian market. A study on the capacity needs has revealed that the most popular among consumers of autonomous power supply systems, about 70% of total sales refer to low and medium power generators in the range of 8–550 kW. The conclusions resume that the key driver in boosting the alternative energy supply system is the relevant legal framework that encourages further alternative energy supply market development and, accordingly, the market of power generating equipment in Ukraine characterized by a strong upward growth trend.