Ukraine able to reduce electricity imports substantially due to higher generation - Ukrenergo chief

MOSCOW. Feb 16 (Interfax) - Ukraine's electricity imports have declined owing to the increased scope for generation in the higher generation in the country itself, however the opportunity for imports is always open, said Vladimir Kudritsky, the head of grid operator Ukrenergo.

"Imports are melting before our eyes, because the available generation in the Ukrainian energy system is increasing, Ukraine's ability to produce electricity is increasing. Ukrainian electricity is cheaper than European electricity, and Ukrainian consumers have received an incentive not to import it when there is enough locally," Ukrainian media quoted Kudritsky as saying at a briefing in Kiev on Thursday.

He said this as a natural process, but it is important that import opportunities are always open. "And this is a safety factor that can be used if necessary," he said.

Ukrenergo said ahead of the briefing that ENTSO-E, the European system operator network, decided on February 14, to make is technically possible for Ukraine to import up to 700 MW at any time. Prior to this, the maximum possible import from Europe was 700 MW at night and 600 MW at other hours of the day.

"This is the result of our joint work with our European colleagues, who have a profound understanding of the importance of imports for Ukraine's energy system and provide us with comprehensive support in this area. We will continue to work on expanding the technical scope for commercial exchange between Ukraine and Europe. The possibility for further increase in commercial exchange limits is currently being evaluated," the company said on social media.

As reported, electricity imports from Slovakia fell 95.2% for Thursday compared to Wednesday to 146 MWh per day, and from Moldova - 92.9% to 17 MWh per day. The largest volume from Slovakia was 11,310 MWh per day on 4 February, and from Moldova - 634 MWh per day on 14 February.