Moldova stopped supplying electricity to Ukraine
In particular, the state-owned enterprise Moldelectrica announced a limitation of the capacity of the national electricity system and a cessation of electricity supplies to Ukraine. As noted in the statement of the state-owned enterprise, from July 12 to July 21, the capacity of commercial electricity exchanges on the border of Moldova and Ukraine will be limited to 0 MW in both directions. It is emphasized that the decision was made after an increase in electricity consumption in Moldova, which inevitably led to changes in technical parameters caused by extreme weather conditions and high temperatures of the last period. One of the negative consequences of high temperatures was a decrease in network capacity. High temperatures increase the thermal resistance of wires, which leads to their expansion and, as a result, to a change in the length of the wire, reducing the distance to the ground. These physical changes can affect the structural stability and secure operation of the network. To prevent the associated risks, including congestion and possible downtime, the operator has implemented capacity management measures. As noted, last week Moldelectrica recorded 3 outages on the 400 kV overhead power line section of the Vulcanesti-Moldavian State District Power Plant. These outages were caused by temperature changes and mechanical stress on the wires. Another factor that should be paid attention to is the deterioration of cooling conditions for generating capacities, which entails some restrictions on their availability for generation. In order to ensure the stability and security of the network, in conditions of increased electricity consumption, as well as in conditions of limited generation caused by extreme temperatures, Moldelectrica had to limit the cross-border power values. Moldelectrica stated that, as the operator of the transport and electricity system, it is responsible for maintaining the transport system in a reliable, continuous and balanced state of electricity for all consumers in Moldova. The company constantly monitors the operating parameters of the network and is ready to promptly intervene to implement the necessary technical measures in order to protect the integrity of the infrastructure and national interests. // 16.07.2024 — InfoMarket.
