On September 3, 2025, Ukraine hosted its first forum dedicated to the prospects for the development of energy storage systems (ESS) — “Charge and Earn.” The event brought together key players in the energy market: representatives of the state, businesses, investors, and industry associations.

With opening remarks, First Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Artem Nekrasov emphasized: “Energy storage systems are no longer just plans for the future — they are an integral element of Ukraine’s modern energy policy. We understand that today, amid constant attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure, energy storage systems can become a key element that will strengthen the resilience, flexibility, and stability of our energy system.”

According to him, energy storage facilities play a vital role in the decarbonization process and in ensuring Ukraine’s energy security. Their deployment will enhance the resilience of the energy system, increase energy efficiency, and provide autonomy both for private consumers and for enterprises.

CEO of JSC “Market Operator” Oleksandr Havva stressed that for the Company, as the operator of the organized segment of the electricity market, it is of utmost importance that this market functions harmoniously, transparently, and efficiently. “Our mission as JSC ‘Market Operator’ is to ensure the harmonious functioning of Ukraine’s electricity market. That is why we view the development of energy literacy among participants as part of our social mission. Trust and awareness are the foundation of a strong and resilient market,” noted Oleksandr Havva.

He further added that today we stand on the threshold of major change. Energy storage systems are technologies that are already shaping the new architecture of Ukraine’s energy market. They make it more flexible, more modern, and ready for integration into the European energy space.

That is why JSC “Market Operator” has developed a platform for the economic dispatch of energy storage facilities, the testing of which will begin on October 7, 2025. The new system will allow modeling of the economic feasibility of ESS operation in different market segments and will support the transparent integration of this segment into Ukraine’s energy system.

Forum participants discussed the financial attractiveness of ESS in different market segments, the barriers and prospects for the development of these technologies, as well as practical experience in implementing projects in the field of renewable energy.

The “Charge and Earn” forum marked the first step in forming an open discussion platform on the development of energy storage technologies.

The Ukrainian Parliament has adopted at first reading Draft Law No. 12087-d, "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Union Law Provisions for the Integration of Energy Markets, Enhancement of Security of Supply, and Competitiveness in the Energy Sector." This draft law establishes the legal basis for coupling Ukraine’s electricity market with the European Union’s Single Market (Market Coupling) and represents a key component of Ukraine’s international commitments under the Energy Community Treaty.

As the sole organizer of trading on the Day-Ahead Market (DAM) and the Intraday Market (IDM), JSC "Market Operator" plays a critical role in the upcoming market integration process. Accordingly, the company must undertake comprehensive preparations, including:

• modernization of the XMtrade®/PXS software suite to ensure technical compatibility with the European Price Coupling of Regions Matcher-Broker (PMB) platform;
• initiation of technical and operational testing as part of the future market coupling;
• adaptation of infrastructure, IT systems, and cybersecurity measures;
• implementation of European standards in the area of personal data protection, including the development of a GDPR compliance system.

The first possible window for launching Market Coupling from the European side is currently set for the first quarter of 2027. According to European practice, a minimum preparatory period of 18 months is required, encompassing technical, legal, and organizational integration.

The required upgrades to XMtrade®/PXS comprise a broad range of technical enhancements: from reconfiguring cross-border trading profiles, market management functions, and result publication modules to developing interfaces for interaction with the PMB platform, adapting to a 15-minute Market Time Unit (MTU), and integrating settlement mechanisms. Special attention is being given to cybersecurity and alignment with European regulatory standards.

Preparation for market coupling involves not only technical adjustments but also organizational and regulatory changes. JSC "Market Operator" has already implemented key standards mandatory for operators of European energy platforms, notably a personal data protection system in line with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR). This reinforces trust among international partners and demonstrates the company’s readiness to operate in accordance with unified European Union standards.

The timely initiation of work on modernizing the trading platform for Market Coupling is essential for Ukraine to meet its energy sector obligations under the European integration agenda and ensures the continuity of its strategic path toward a unified European energy space.

JSC "Market Operator" has prepared an analytical work "The potential of Energy Storage System (ESS) on the Electricity Market: Advantages of Spot Arbitrage", dedicated to a topic of growing relevance - the use of Energy Storage System (ESS) for electricity trading on the spot market.

In a world moving toward decentralized energy and an increasing share of renewable energy sources, the role of ESS becomes critically important — particularly for balancing supply and demand, enhancing the flexibility of the power system.

What’s the essence?

High price volatility in the electricity market, especially in the Day-Ahead Market (DAM), creates favorable conditions for price arbitrage — purchasing electricity during low-demand hours and selling it during peak periods. This strategy enables ESS operators to generate profit and accelerate the return on investment in this innovative field.

In this analytical report, JSC "Market Operator" has:

• Analyzed the arbitrage model of ESS operations on the DAM as one of the key profit-generating approaches
• Described the main features of all segments of Ukraine’s electricity market (bilateral contracts market, day-ahead market, intraday market, balancing market, ancillary services market)
• Performed investment payback calculations considering service costs and ESS capacity
• Presented DAM operation scenarios based on historical price data
• Provided detailed source data and methodology, allowing independent assessment of a project's investment attractiveness
• Outlined input data and specific steps of the calculation algorithm to evaluate potential profit and investment metrics of the project.

This report will be useful for:

• Producers planning to invest in ESS
• Investors in the renewable energy sector
• Electricity traders and market participants
• Aggregators
• Energy analysts and government institutions

Energy storage systems are not just a trend — they represent a real opportunity to establish a new, stable business segment in the Ukrainian energy market. That is why JSC "Market Operator" continues to expand the range of analytical publications, helping the market to develop strategically and reasonably.

A year ago, JSC “Market Operator” launched the Awareness Program on the Operation of the Electricity Market, with one major goal — to contribute to Ukraine’s Victory through knowledge, development of the professional community, and support for the military. Over the year, more than UAH 5.5 million has been raised for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The events of recent years have shown: Ukrainians are seeking not only stability but also new knowledge and tools for action. The demand for the social Program of JSC “Market Operator”, which operates as a platform for dialogue, experience exchange, live cases, and practical solutions, is steadily growing.

The Program includes the following areas:

• “Market Model” — basic understanding of market structure
• “Green+” — work with producers under the “green” tariff
• “Distributed Generation” — local solutions in wartime conditions
• “Producers: Market and Balancing” — effective participation in the balancing segment

Results over the year:

• 484 participants gained new knowledge
• UAH 5.5 million was transferred to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine
• Hundreds of enterprises improved their participation in the market thanks to the acquired knowledge
• Hundreds of contacts and partnerships were established within a unified professional community

“For us, the Program is not just an educational product. It is a contribution to improving energy literacy, economic sustainability, and the country’s defense capability. Each participant of the Program, by investing in their knowledge, simultaneously invests in Ukraine’s Victory. Despite all the challenges — war, shelling — interest in the Program continues to grow. We are convinced: every initiative, every duty fulfilled on time brings us closer to the recovery and development of the country,”
— commented Oleksandr Havva, General Director of JSC “Market Operator.”

The third season of the Awareness Program on the Operation of the Electricity Market of Ukraine will start on August 18, 2025. Details at: https://ikp.oree.com.ua. Supporting the Market and the Front Together!