The energy infrastructure in Ukraine is once again being targeted by Russian attacks, resulting in limited energy supply and power outages. Recently, the energy supply in Ukraine was attacked in several places which resulted in power cuts and left the power grid exposed.
An exposed power grid poses a challenge for the daily energy supply, especially at night when Ukrainian families are preparing dinner and the demand for electricity is high. If the energy supply experiences high shortage, the power outages may last longer, especially severe during winter.
To help manage the limited supply of energy, Ukrainian and Danish authorities have developed the ‘Ukrenergo app’ to provide Ukrainian citizens with information of the current electricity supply and alert them when the supply is challenged.
The intention is to decrease the use of electricity as much as possible when the supply is low in order to reduce the duration of power outages.
"In order to maintain the energy system amid merciless enemy attacks, Ukraine needs to consolidate the entire society. It takes not only smart and economical consumption, but also the introduction of non-standard approaches and modern technologies. We are grateful to our Danish partners for the cooperation in developing an application that will allow us to promptly update our people on the situation in the energy system and on how they can contribute to the common cause by being informed and slightly changing their daily routines," said Mykola Kolisnyk, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine.
”The Ukrainian energy infrastructure has continuously been targeted by vicious Russian attacks this winter, putting the energy systems under heavy pressure and leaving Ukrainians without power. We have to help stabilize the energy system in any way we can – and one of our new tools is an alert app developed by Ukrainian and Danish authorities. This gives the Ukrainian citizens the opportunity to decrease their energy supply when needed to help reduce the duration of power outages,” says Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard.
The ‘Ukrenergo app’ is developed by Ukrenergo – Ukraine’s electricity transmission system operator – and the Danish Energy Agency.
Similar to Ukraine’s ‘Air Alert!’ app that alerts users of air raid alarms, the Ukrenergo app alerts users when the electricity supply in their area is challenged and tells them what they can do to help stabilize the system. For example, if the energy consumption is growing and supply may meet shortage soon, the app will tell the user to avoid using electrical machines such as microwaves and vacuums at the same time to reduce the use of electricity.
“The responsibility for the power cuts lies with the actions of the Russian Federation. It takes time to repair and restore the system, and we want citizens to receive the results of our work “first-hand” – directly from the Ukrenergo Dispatch Centre. For people, this is convenient from the point of view of understanding the current situation in the power system, and for us it is the fastest way to communicate directly with the consumer. This is important if there is a need to call on residents of a certain region or country as a whole to turn off powerful electrical appliances to help the power system,” said Oleksii Brekht, Acting Chairman of the Management Board of NPC Ukrenergo.
”The app is a great example of a concrete tool that Denmark's energy cooperation with Ukraine has delivered directly to Ukrainian citizens. It is based on Danish experiences within energy efficiency and balancing the energy system and can help reduce power consumption in Ukraine during periods with increased stress on the electricity grid. Ukrainians are facing a tough winter, and hopefully the app can help make it a little less harsh,” says Kristoffer Böttzauw, Director General at the Danish Energy Agency.
The new app is a part of the Danish efforts to help Ukraine in securing and rebuilding their energy sector. Overall, Denmark has donated 492 million DKK to the Ukrainian energy sector. The funding supports short-term help before winter as well as more long-term efforts to secure the Ukrainian energy supply.
’Ukrenergo app’:
The app has four different levels which are:
- Sufficient electricity is available: Use electricity as usual.
- Limited electricity supply: Reduce electricity usage during this period (avoid using washing machines, dryers, air conditioners etc. at the same time).
- Significant electricity shortages: Power outage schedules are in effect. If you are currently scheduled to have electricity, do not turn on power-consuming devices or additional lighting.
- Attention! Emergency power cuts! The power system is experiencing serious problems; severe measures are taken to limit consumptions.
Contact the press offices of the Ministry for Climate, Energy and Utilities on +45 41 72 38 05