Ukraine Power Export: A New Energy Game Changer for Europe
During a relaxed Thursday night (June 30), President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dropped a major announcement in his bedtime‑time video: Ukraine is now actively sending electrical juice to Romania. The move is less about the money in the coffers and more about a bold step toward freeing Europe from Russian gas woes.
“With Ukrainian electricity, a significant part of the Russian gas that European consumers depend on can be swapped out. This isn’t simply about export earnings – it’s a question of security for all of Europe,” Zelenskiy asserted.
He reinforced the message that linking Ukraine to the EU energy system was already underway when the war began. Today’s collaboration proves that Ukraine is doing the impossible—and making it happen.
Phase One: 100 MW Exported to Romania
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the first export—amounting to 100 megawatts—had kicked off earlier that day. The plan, which comes via an interconnection with Romania (and also with Moldova’s power), marked the first real test of the enhanced grid.
What’s Coming Next?
- Energy trading between Ukraine and Slovakia, and Ukraine and Hungary, is slated to begin soon.
- Moldova‑to‑Romania trades will also roll out in the near future.
- Initially, the total trade capacity is set at 100 MW, a stepping‑stone toward a larger network.
Future Ambitions: 2.5 GW Export Capability
Shmyhal revealed that, in time, Ukraine’s power export potential could reach an impressive 2.5 gigawatts, signaling a brighter, safer European energy landscape.
As Ukraine presses forward with these exports, Europe becomes a little lighter on its dependence on Russian hydrocarbons—and a bit lighter on the tensions that come with it.
