Technical and Market Aspects of Pumped Storage Hydropower Operation in the Ukrainian Energy System During Military Conflict

The ongoing military aggression against Ukraine has significantly affected the stability and operation of the national energy system, creating unprecedented challenges for electricity security and market functioning. While previous studies have primarily focused on infrastructure damage and generation losses, limited attention has been given to the role of hydropower plants (HPPs) and pumped-storage power plants (PSPPs) in maintaining power system resilience under wartime conditions. This study aims to assess the current state of Ukraine’s energy sector and evaluate the contribution of HPPs and PSPPs to system stability during periods of severe generation shortages. The research is based on the analysis of statistical data on electricity generation in Ukraine, operational information from the national electricity market, and international experience in the development of pumped-storage technologies. Comparative and analytical methods were applied to assess changes in generation capacity, infrastructure damage, and the operational role of PSPPs in balancing electricity supply and demand. The novelty of the study lies in its assessment of the evolving role of PSPPs in ensuring energy system resilience during wartime and its analysis of their increased contribution to balancing electricity supply and demand under conditions of largescale infrastructure disruption. The results emphasize the importance of expanding pumpedstorage capacity and strengthening integration with the European electricity market to enhance the long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s energy sector.