Ukraine is creating a network of “energy cells”: how the new system will work

Ukraine is forming a network of “energy cells” – autonomous clusters that will ensure the operation of critical infrastructure even in the event of damage to the central power system.

This was announced by Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal.

According to him, the new energy security architecture was presented during a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine.

The system involves three levels. The first is nuclear generation, which ensures stability and will remain the key foundation of the energy system. The second is flexibility and balancing: the development of shunting capacities, storage and new generation in regions with deficits.

In 2026, the government plans to hold a competition for the construction of up to 1.3 GW of new generating capacity. These are facilities in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Odessa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

The third level is local autonomy. It involves the development of cogeneration, small gas installations, and decentralized heat and water supply systems. Local communities will play a key role in implementing this direction.

As previously reported, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko said that preparations for the next heating season began in early spring.