In 2024, electricity imports reached their highest level since 2014, totaling nearly 4.5 million MWh, while exports fell to a historically low point, almost down to 350,000 MWh, according to the Ukrainian analytical center in the energy and climate sector, DiXi Group, referencing the open data portal Energy Map.
"In 2024, Ukraine imported 4,436.6 thousand MWh of electricity, marking the highest figure in the past 11 years (actual data before 2014 is not publicly available). Conversely, electricity exports hit a historical minimum of 348.5 thousand MWh," the review provided by DiXi Group states for the “Energy Reform” project.
Analysts at the center believe that the main reason for these abnormal figures was the Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
They note that from March 22 to December 25, 2024, Russia conducted 13 mass missile and drone attacks, launching 846 missiles of various types and 866 UAVs.
Out of these, 230 missiles (27%) and 25 UAVs (3%) were not intercepted by air defense forces or neutralized by radar systems, likely hitting their targets.
Peak import values were recorded in June and July, when abnormal heat and traditional scheduled repairs of some power units for preparation for the autumn-winter period added to the shelling.
"In June, imports reached 858.4 thousand MWh, which is 6% more than the total purchased in 2023 (806.4 thousand MWh), and is the highest monthly figure since 2014 (based on available data)," the review states.
Throughout 2024, 38.4% of imported electricity came from Hungary (1,705 thousand MWh). Slovakia provided 1,036.5 thousand MWh (23.4% of the total), Romania - 819.6 thousand MWh (18.5%), Poland - 636.6 thousand MWh (14.3%), and Moldova - 238.9 thousand MWh (5.4%).
Electricity exports in 2024 amounted to 348.5 thousand MWh, which is 5% less than in 2023 and 90% lower than in the pre-war year of 2021.
Throughout the year, exports were carried out in all available directions. The most electricity was exported to Poland (88.4 thousand MWh, or 25.4%). Hungary received 76.6 thousand MWh (22%), Romania - 71.2 thousand MWh (20.4%), Moldova - 56.8 thousand MWh (16.3%), and Slovakia - 55.5 thousand MWh (15.9%).
The peak export volume was recorded before the start of mass shelling - in March, during which Ukraine exported 154.1 thousand MWh (44% of the annual volume). For 140 days, from May 12 to September 29, electricity exports from Ukraine were completely halted. Overall, exports took place for 151 days (41% of the year), while there were 215 days (59%) with zero exports. In contrast, imports were virtually uninterrupted - complete absence was recorded only on two days of the year.