Initial analysis of the impact of the Ukrainian power grid synchronization with Continental Europe

Abstract

When Russia invaded Ukraine on the 24 th of February 2022, this lead to many acts of solidarity with Ukraine, including support for its electricity system. Just 20 days after the invasion started, the Ukrainian and Moldovan power grids were synchronized to the Continental European power grid to provide stability to these grids. Here, we present an initial analysis of how this synchronization affected the statistics of the power grid frequency and cross-border flows of electric power within Continental Europe. We observe mostly small changes in the system, such as an increase in fluctuations, kept in check by an increase in control. We also observe changes in cross-border flows in and out of Ukraine and surrounding countries and the effect of the synchronization with Continental Europe.