According to Energy Map, electricity imports in August 2026 increased by 5.0% compared to July, reaching 184.0 GWh. Exports rose by 63.8% to 380.9 GWh, the highest monthly export volume since September 2025. As a result, Ukraine remained a net electricity exporter for the second consecutive month, with exports nearly twice as high as imports.
During the reporting period, electricity consumption fluctuated mainly in response to temperature changes. At the beginning of August, hot weather and intensive use of air conditioning kept electricity demand high: 46% of the monthly import volume was recorded during the first 10 days. On August 8, daily imports reached 14.9 GWh, the highest level of the month.
From August 11, the electricity trade balance shifted. More moderate temperatures and high generation from household solar PV installations reduced the need for imports, while exports exceeded imports on almost every day until the end of the month, except for August 15. The largest gap between imports and exports was recorded on August 24–31, when daily exports were 10–13.5 times higher than imports.
The increase in export potential in the second half of August was driven by higher available generation and lower domestic demand. The return of a nuclear power plant unit to operation following scheduled maintenance increased available generation, while Russian attacks reduced electricity demand from some major mining and metallurgical companies. Electricity consumption also declined noticeably in other sectors of the economy following targeted Russian attacks on warehouse infrastructure, seaports, and other facilities. Taken together, these factors created additional electricity available for export.
At the same time, the security situation remains challenging. During August, Russia carried out two mass attacks, causing power outages in some regions. Despite this, the power system balance was maintained through domestic generation and commercial imports, without the need for electricity consumption restrictions.
Import structure by country of origin:
- Hungary – 74.6 GWh (40.6%);
- Romania – 41.4 GWh (22.5%);
- Slovakia – 40.6 GWh (22.0%);
- Poland – 26.9 GWh (14.7%);
- Moldova – 0.4 GWh (0.2%).
Compared to July 2026, imports from Hungary, Moldova, and Poland increased by 7–46%, while imports from the other countries decreased by 1–11%.
For comparison, electricity imports in August 2025 amounted to 264.2 GWh, 43.6% higher than in August 2026.
Electricity exports were recorded every day, with daily export volumes consistently exceeding imports for most of the month.
Export structure by destination country:
- Hungary – 173.0 GWh (45.4%);
- Moldova – 112.1 GWh (29.4%);
- Romania – 71.4 GWh (18.8%);
- Slovakia – 21.4 GWh (5.6%);
- Poland – 3.0 GWh (0.8%).
Compared to July 2026, exports increased across all destinations by 55–85%.
Year-on-year, total electricity exports decreased by 15.4% compared to August 2025, when they amounted to 450.1 GWh.
The Energy Sector Transparency (EST) project supports key U.S. administration priorities by advancing its energy interests and expanding opportunities for American companies in Ukraine’s energy sector. By strengthening transparency and anti-corruption safeguards, the project helps foster a more predictable, rules-based environment that can support fair competition and encourage investment. Through support for market-oriented reforms and stronger data systems, EST contributes to U.S. economic interests while reinforcing U.S. leadership in the global energy sector.
This report is made possible by the generous support of the United States Government. The contents are the responsibility of DiXi Group and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government.
