Ключова роль розподільних електричних мереж у післявоєнній відбудові енергетичної системи України

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to substantiate technical, organizational, and digital solutions aimed at improving the resilience and reliability of Ukraine’s distribution networks during post-war reconstruction. The research methodology combined statistical analysis of official data from the Ministry of Energy, the national energy regulator, and distribution system operators with a comparative review of international reports issued by the European Commission, ENTSO-E, IEEE, and CIGRE. The findings revealed a significant reduction in the length of low- and medium-voltage networks (0.4–10 kV), which decreased from 7.8 thousand km in 2022 to 2.4 thousand km in 2025, while the number of transformer substations fell from 340 to 120. Capacity utilization factors in major regions such as Kyiv and Kharkiv consistently exceeded 89–91 %, indicating a heavily stressed network. Reliability indicators in 2022 reached 1,200 minutes of average outage duration and 4.1 interruptions per customer–7 to 9 times higher than the European average–and only by 2025 improved to 850 minutes and 3.2 interruptions. Installed capacities of solar and wind power, which declined in 2023, recovered to 7.7 GW by 2025, although overall system stress remained elevated. International experience demonstrated that Smart Grid technologies reduce outage duration and frequency by 18–38 %, while energy storage systems significantly enhance network flexibility. The study concludes that restoring Ukraine’s distribution networks requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates infrastructure modernization, deployment of storage systems, and advanced digital management tools. The practical significance lies in providing quantitative guidelines for policymakers, energy companies, and international donors to support the future strengthening and security of Ukraine’s energy sector.