The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSOE-E) announced the start of commercial electricity exchange between Ukraine and the EU on June 30.

"The Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of Continental Europe have confirmed that the technical pre-conditions have now been fulfilled to allow for the first phase of commercial exchanges of electricity between Ukraine and the neighbouring countries," says the official statement.

"The start of commercial electricity exchanges with the Ukraine/Moldova power system is planned for 30 June on the interconnection between Ukraine and Romania," they announced.

Commercial electricity exchanges at other connections (Ukraine-Slovakia, Ukraine-Hungary, and Moldova-Romania) are expected to start later.

The total trade capacity will initially be set to 100 MW in the first phase. After this initial phase, a gradual increase in the trade capacity will be regularly assessed based on power system stability and security considerations.

"Gradually increasing electricity trade is particularly important in the context of Russia's continuing aggression against Ukraine. It will allow Ukraine to earn revenues to support its power system in a situation where their domestic income has been reduced by Russia's attacks. At the same time, it will make additional affordable electricity available for the EU during a time when prices are exceptionally high," said European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson.

Ukraine applied to join the European energy system ENTSO-E in March. In early June, it received the right to export its energy to Europe, Ukrenergo reported.