Current state and prospects for development of renewable distributed generation in Ukraine

Abstract

The development of distributed generation in Ukraine corresponds to global trends in the energy sector. The particular relevance of distributed energy for Ukraine lies in the fact that its development contributes to reducing the costs of energy consumers, reducing the load on energy networks and losses of electrical energy, as well as improving the reliability of the energy system and energy efficiency of the economy. This article provides an overview of the main sources, technologies, and trends in the development of distributed generation (DG) in Ukraine, including stations running on biofuels (biomass and biogas), small hydroelectric power stations, as well as distributed solar and wind power plants. Various aspects related to the current state and future prospects of distributed energy in Ukraine are considered, with particular attention to barriers that impede its development. The main operating modes of distributed generation facilities are identified together with the National Energy Company of Ukraine. An analysis of the structure of distributed generation facilities by technology and power usage is carried out using statistical data. The factors that stimulate the development of distributed generation technologies are identified, and examples of successful implementation of DG facilities in Ukraine are provided. The main expected effects of implementing DG are determined, such as the adaptation of consumers to the uncertainty of the state of electricity due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, increasing the reliability of power supply, partial unloading of both main and distribution power lines, reducing energy losses in networks, as well as providing opportunities for communities to meet their energy needs. In addition, the development of distributed generation can contribute to increasing the level of competition in the electricity market, stimulating the review and optimization of pricing strategies. Keywords: distributed generation, RES, local networks, decentralization of energy supply.