Light Through the Challenges: How Automation and Decentralized Generation Can Save Ukrainians from Prolonged Blackouts

On February 19, Energy Club will host the Energy Freedom online talk show “Networks Under Fire: Technological Solutions for the Resilience of Ukrainian DSOs”. The event is dedicated to practical tools for increasing the reliability and recoverability of electrical networks—from physical infrastructure protection to digitalization, automation, and cybersecurity.

Ahead of the event, Ihor Saienko, Deputy Director of Business Development at EKNIS LLC, spoke with the Energy Club media department about the role of EMS, SCADA, and DMS systems in ensuring network resilience. He discussed the potential of Smart Grid and Microgrid technologies for accident localization and autonomous operation, the challenges of integrating distributed generation and energy storage, and key approaches to cybersecurity.

Ihor Saienko

– Mr. Saienko, given the constant threats to energy infrastructure, which solutions based on EMS, SCADA, or DMS currently provide the greatest effect for Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in increasing network resilience?

– In my opinion, it is impossible to single out a one-size-fits-all solution. The problem is systemic and must be addressed on a systemic level:

• Clear and transparent rules for the construction and restoration of generation, transmission, and distribution facilities.
• Modernizing primary equipment using advanced materials.
• Digital control devices (Protection, Control, and Automation) with redundant communication channels and real-time data transmission.
• Automation at all levels with remote control and monitoring capabilities for pre-emergency and emergency situations.
• Autonomous power supply for all network elements.
• Advanced ADMS systems capable of operating in fully automatic mode to localize and neutralize accidents within seconds.
• Comprehensive cybersecurity to prevent catastrophic unauthorized access.
• Personnel development, as AI cannot replace the human role in design, commissioning, and repairs.

– You work with Smart Grid and Microgrid systems. How can these technologies help Ukrainian DSOs restore power faster or operate in isolated modes?

– Smart Grid is a complex of tools that allows for the automatic localization and neutralization of accident impacts within fractions of a second. This helps identify damaged sections faster, preserves the stability of the rest of the network, and maintains supply to consumers.

Microgrid systems allow for stable power within a specific territory using local generation (Solar, Wind, Biogas, BESS) with the ability to operate in Off-grid mode. When integrated with Smart Grids, they help balance consumption, increase regional reliability, and defer the need for large-scale investments in remote infrastructure.

However, there are risks:

• Technical instability: A high share of inverter generation (solar/batteries) lacks physical inertia, making the grid sensitive to frequency spikes.
• Blind zones: Insufficient integration can create gaps in visibility for DSOs.
• Partner-Partner Model: We are moving from “Operator-Consumer” to a “Partner-Partner” relationship, which requires full automation to manage thousands of small generation units.

– How realistic is the full integration of distributed generation and Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into existing DSO networks?

– Technically, everything is possible; the questions are cost, time, and political will. We face several critical challenges:

• Cloud dependencies: Many imported inverters and BESS systems send data to foreign servers. This creates risks regarding data stability, hacking, and future control.
• “Home-grown” software: To save money, some companies use custom-written management software that may have security vulnerabilities.
• Outdated protocols: Some equipment supplied to Ukraine uses inefficient protocols that do not allow for precise control.

– What cybersecurity approaches do you consider a priority for energy companies today?

– I prioritize a layered defense (Defense in Depth) where a malicious actor must bypass multiple independent security levels. Key steps include:

• Eliminating direct internet access for technological networks.
• Using “Digital Twins” for simulation to identify bugs.
• Implementing Zero Trust models and strict network segmentation (physical and logical).
• Ensuring the ability to switch to manual mode and physically disconnect from the network if necessary.

– Looking at the next few years, which technologies will be the “breakthrough point” for Ukrainian infrastructure?

– The development of Smart Grid is the only way to prevent a collapse of our networks given the declining number of energy sector workers. We also expect a breakthrough in ADMS systems, Virtual Power Plants (VPP) to manage thousands of Microgrids, and Smart Metering to monitor energy quality.