Ukraine is set to implement a STATCOM system to protect against accidents and cascading blackouts, especially after damage to energy facilities, having received a grant of UAH 880 million, reported First Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal on social media on Thursday, writes UNN.
Details
"More than UAH 880 million under a grant from the EBRD and the International Development Association this year will be directed toward the implementation of modern STATCOM systems and their physical protection," Shmyhal reported.
STATCOM, he explained, is "a modern technology, a kind of 'stabilizer' of the power grid," which is expected to allow:
- maintaining stable voltage even with sharp changes in electricity consumption or generation;
- preventing accidents and cascading blackouts, especially after damage to energy facilities;
- increasing the resilience of the power system during peak loads and after missile strikes;
- integrating larger volumes of renewable generation;
- reducing electricity losses during its transmission;
- expanding opportunities for cross-border electricity trade.
Such systems, Shmyhal explained, are already one of the key elements of modern power grids in EU and US countries. Their implementation is also one of Ukraine's commitments within the framework of integration into the European energy market and synchronization with ENTSO-E.
"This is an investment not only in recovery from Russian attacks, but also in creating a modern energy infrastructure integrated with the European energy system and capable of ensuring reliable electricity supply for Ukrainians," the Vice Prime Minister stated.
Also, according to his words, the government has expanded the scope of the experimental project on implementing regional resilience plans to critical infrastructure operators. "This will allow for faster implementation of projects to protect energy facilities, build new generation capacity, and connect to networks," he explained.