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Battery stations could be granted critical infrastructure status

Battery stations could be granted critical infrastructure status

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

21 May 2026, 16:15

Battery stations could be granted critical infrastructure status — A battery station as an illustration of the news regarding the possibility of granting energy storage systems the status of critical infrastructure

The government has amended the regulations for the energy sector: battery storage facilities will be able to be designated as critical infrastructure, and distributed generation producers will be able to sell electricity directly to consumers.

This was announced by Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal.

Battery stations and critical infrastructure

Following a proposal from the Ministry of Energy, the government has amended the list of critical infrastructure sectors.

This allows electricity storage systems to be classified as critical infrastructure.

According to Denys Shmyhal, this decision will strengthen the protection of these facilities and improve the resilience of the power system as a whole.

Why is this necessary

Energy storage systems are being actively developed in Ukraine, particularly in the face of constant Russian attacks on the energy sector.

Large battery stations help the power system operate more stably, respond more quickly to load fluctuations and reduce the risk of emergency blackouts.

According to Shmyhal, energy storage systems with a total capacity of over 500 MW have already been installed in Ukraine.

Technical specifications have also been issued for the installation of a further 1,000 MW.

How the facilities will be protected

The government’s aim is to provide maximum protection for such facilities.

The adopted resolution will ensure active protection of electricity storage systems within the national critical infrastructure protection system.

Direct contracts for distributed generation

Separately, the government has adopted a decision allowing electricity producers from distributed generation facilities to enter into direct bilateral contracts with consumers.

Such contracts may be concluded without the mandatory holding of electronic auctions for the sale of electricity.

The decision was initiated by the Ministry of Energy. According to Shmyhal, this is one of the outcomes of the Ministry of Energy’s dialogue with representatives of the gas generation sector.

What are PPA contracts?

The Ministry of Energy considers this an important step towards the wider adoption of PPA contracts.

These are long-term contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity between a generating company and a corporate consumer.

Such contracts make it possible to locate generation facilities close to the enterprise that consumes the electricity.

According to Shmyhal, this will help ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply even in the face of security risks.

What this will mean for business

Businesses will be able to secure a predictable price for electricity and more stable operations.

At the same time, such solutions should reduce the load on the overall power grid.

Shmyhal noted that encouraging private investment in the decentralised gas generation sector should accelerate the formation of Ukraine’s new energy architecture.

This refers to a system with a higher level of autonomy for regions, communities and businesses.

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