ACTIVE CONSUMERS AS A FACTOR IN ENSURING THE BALANCE OF UKRAINE'S ENERGY SYSTEM

Abstract

Recent studies on the current state and future development prospects of the active consumer concept have been analyzed. Forecasts indicating substantial economic, environmental, and system-wide benefits from the deployment of community solar generation systems combined with energy storage have been examined. International experience in consumer participation in local community energy projects has been reviewed, highlighting opportunities for consumers to receive financial compensation for electricity generation without the need to install their own generation facilities. The significant potential of a largescale distributed energy system, formed through the integration of residential electricity generation and energy storage installations, has been emphasized. The implementation of such a system is expected to reduce electricity costs, decrease the need for investments in grid infrastructure, and lower expenditures associated with ensuring generation adequacy. The current state of active consumer participation in the Integrated Power System of Ukraine and their critical role in maintaining the stable and secure operation of the energy system has also been examined. The study identifies a shift in priorities within Ukraine’s energy sector from purely commercial objectives toward strengthening energy resilience. This transition involves the implementation of energy-efficient solutions aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the power system and supporting its sustainable development. Particular attention is given to the positive changes in the field of state support for electricity generation from renewable energy sources by consumer-owned generating facilities following the enactment of the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Improvement of Support Conditions for Electricity Generation from Alternative Energy Sources by Consumer-Owned Generating Facilities”. At the same time, it is noted that the distributed generation model that has emerged in Ukraine under wartime conditions is predominantly based on decentralized solutions focused on achieving energy autonomy for individual consumers rather than on the systemic integration of new generation capacities into the electricity market. The study outlines the key barriers preventing ordinary households from obtaining active consumer status in Ukraine and concludes that, under the current regulatory framework, there are limited prospects for utilizing residential energy storage systems to support the balancing of the Integrated Power System of Ukraine. In this context, the decisive role of Ukrainian public authorities in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for the advancement of the active consumer concept is emphasized. The study calls for the adoption of measures aimed at creating favorable conditions for active consumers to contribute to power system stability, arguing that such measures could deliver significantly faster results than the construction of new nuclear or thermal power generation units.