Synchronization with ENTSO-E to enhance Ukraine-Europe power grid link capacity - energy minister

KYIV. March 19 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Synchronization of the Ukrainian power grid with Europe's ENTSO-E will increase the capacity of power transmission lines between Ukraine and Europe to 5GW, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said in an article entitled "Energy visa-free. United front with Europe," which was published by Ekonomichna Pravda on Saturday.

"There is also a number of technological initiatives that can increase the capacity of our power grids, the link between the Ukrainian power grid and ENTSO-E member countries to 4GW or even 5GW. This is more than the former link between power grids of Ukraine and Russia, which was about 3GW," Halushchenko said.

The synchronization will considerably enhance the reliability of Ukrainian power grid, will reduce the cost of electricity generation due to more economical use of generating capacity, and will increase the security of power supply to consumers, he said.

"We are forming a common electricity area with the EU, a united energy front. If we have an emergency, we will be guaranteed power supply from Europe. If there is need to urgently meet European demand, we will be able to do it," Halushchenko said.