(Wikipedia)
By Gary Raynaldo – DIPLOMATIC TIMES
The European Network of Transmission System Operators for electricity (ENTSO-E) announced Tuesday it has increased electricity export capacity to Ukraine and Moldova from neighbouring EU countries for this winter. Ukraine and Moldova will now be able to import a maximum volume of 2,100 megawatts (MW) of electricity – an increase of 400 MW from the previous value, ENTO-E said in a statement. The 2.100 MW export capacity limit will apply from 1 December 2024. From March 2025, TSOs will be able to reassess the commercial capacity limit between the EU and Ukraine and Moldova on a monthly basis, according to the European power grid. Russia’s relentless missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the start of the war has destroyed more than half of its power capacity. It could take years to repair Ukraine’s power grid, according to experts.
“This important increase of the electricity import capacity is another sign of the strong support and solidarity of the European TSO community with the people of Ukraine and Moldova,” the statement added.
UN Concerned Over Attacks On Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
During a UN Security Council briefing last week, Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Peace Affairs expressed concern over attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. The UN official said that “systematic Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have become one of the defining, abhorrent hallmarks of this war.” He added that the large-scale destruction and interruption of power and water supplies throughout the country will likely worsen the living conditions for millions of Ukrainians through a third winter of war.
“Vulnerable groups – including older persons, people with disabilities, and the internally displaced – are likely to be disproportionately affected. Many may soon find themselves trapped in their homes without heating and other essential utilities,” he continued.
The European Commission expressed strong support for the additional power capacity to Ukraine. Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said: “Today’s announcement is a further sign of the strong support that the EU is offering Ukraine and Moldova, and the solidarity of the European TSO community. This move to increase our connections with Ukraine and Moldova was one of the three priorities outlined by President von der Leyen in September to help Ukraine’s winter preparedness in the energy sector.”
