The sun no longer saves Ukraine: the depth of damage to the power system is too great

Import of electricity to Ukraine decreased significantly in the second half of May compared to winter and the first months of spring. However, the depth of damage to the power system no longer allows solar generation to turn the country into a net exporter of electricity on warm days. It only reduces the depth of the deficit.

In recent days, commercial purchases of Ukrainian companies of electricity in the countries EU decreased to 11-12 GWh. This is several times less than in winter and in the first months of spring. Then imports exceeded 40 GWh.

However, the situation has changed dramatically compared to last year. For example, on May 21, 2025, the import of electricity to Ukraine amounted to 550 MWh, and yesterday — 12 GWh. At the same time, a year ago Ukraine exported 4.9 GWh, and now it is 1.76 GWh.

A year ago on Ukraine was somewhat warmer, but the energy balance shows that the situation in the country's energy system has changed dramatically. After the retaliatory strikes of the Russian army this winter, the situation has seriously deteriorated and solar power plants can no longer both cover the entire deficit and also provide for exports.

Even during daylight hours, imports reach 1 GWh. At the same time, Ukrenergo reported that clear weather was established in most regions of the country, except for the western regions.

"This leads to efficient operation of domestic solar power plants and a corresponding reduction in energy consumption from the common network," the operator of the Ukrainian power system reported.

Obviously, the problem lies in the fact that the Russian army still managed to seriously damage the maneuverable generation of Ukraine with retaliatory strikes - thermal power plants, thermal power plants and hydroelectric power plants. And the country lacks electricity even in the most favorable hours for generation.