World Bank Ukraine 197 MW Energy Storage + Solar PV Project
I. Project Background
Funded by the World Bank and implemented by Ukrhydroenergo, the official project title is "Improving Power System Resilience for European Power Grid Integration Project." It involves the installation of 197 MW of battery energy storage systems and 35.9 MW of solar PV across four hydropower plants in Kyiv, Kaniv, Kremenchuk, and Seredniodniprovska.
The primary objectives are: repairing damaged grid infrastructure, improving overall supply reliability, and completing the formal synchronisation of Ukraine's power grid with the European ENTSO-E network.
II. Key Project Challenges (Identified by 7D CHEM)
Recently, Mr. Yan, General Manager of 7D CHEM, led a technical team in a systematic analysis of the project, identifying three core challenges:
1. How to comprehensively enhance the resilience of Ukraine's local power system?
Ukraine's grid operates under highly complex and uncertain conditions. Conventional backup solutions face risks of fuel supply disruptions and lack the rapid response required for frequency stabilisation.
2. How to achieve synchronisation with the ENTSO-E grid?
ENTSO-E imposes strict dynamic performance requirements on frequency response (FCR, aFRR), voltage regulation, and black-start capability at the point of connection. Furthermore, the four sites must operate in a coordinated manner to avoid regional oscillations and ensure system frequency fully complies with ENTSO-E standards.
3. How to ensure long-term, stable supply of chemicals and full technical parameter compatibility?
Ukraine experiences extreme ambient temperatures (−30°C to +40°C). Chemicals must therefore demonstrate long service life, wide operating temperature range, high safety, and ease of local resupply.
III. The 7D CHEM Integrated Solution
Addressing the three challenges, the 7D CHEM team has developed a multi-dimensional solution covering grid resilience, cross-border grid synchronisation, and chemical supply with technical compatibility.
1. Strengthening Power System Resilience
The team focuses on three directions: risk resistance, rapid recovery, and strong regulation, enhancing resilience through chemical upgrades, equipment protection, and O&M systems.
(1 )Chemical-side resilience upgrades
● Wide-temperature electrolyte: 1M LiPF6 + 0.2M LiFSI / EC:EMC:DMC (3:4:3) + 2% VC + 1% FEC – ensures ≥80% power at −30°C, supporting island black-start. Conductivity ≥10.5 mS/cm @ −20°C.
● High-safety dielectric coolant: Modified silicone-oil based dielectric fluid (e.g., Xiameter PMX-200), flash point >300°C, non-flammable. Enables ≥6 hours passive cooling without thermal runaway after grid disconnection.
● Residue-free fire suppression medium: Novec 1230 (fluorinated ketone), extinguishing concentration 4.5–5.5%, residue-free, non-damaging to circuits. Capable of two automatic discharges in unmanned conditions, confining fire to a single battery cluster.
● High-flashpoint transformer oil: Natural ester oil (e.g., FR3) replacing mineral oil – flash point >300°C, breakdown voltage ≥70kV. Reduces fire risk by 90% even if struck by shrapnel.
(2) Chemical reserve depots
Underground or semi-underground secure storage for key chemicals (electrolyte, coolant, fire-fighting agents) at each of the four power plants.
(3) O&M emergency system
Online health monitoring for chemicals: electrolyte leak sensors, coolant level/dielectric constant sensors in each storage container. Dual O&M model (remote monitoring + on-site team). Condition-based predictive replacement schedules rather than fixed-interval replacement.
2. Compliance with ENTSO-E Grid Connection Standards
Based on the ENTSO-E Network Code on Requirements for Generators (NC RfG), implementation through electrochemical and system coordination measures.
(1) Electrochemical performance for compliance
● FCR response time ≤30 ms: Optimised electrolyte formulation (high conductivity, high Li+ transference number) enables millisecond power output even at −20°C.
● No capacity fade during continuous frequency regulation: FEC+VC+PS additives suppress gas generation. After 1,000 cycles at 45°C, internal resistance increase ≤10%, meeting aFRR continuous regulation requirements.
● Black-start capability: High-precision coolant keeps max temperature difference within a battery cluster ≤2°C, avoiding current imbalance; storage system reaches rated power from 0 in <2 minutes.
● Voltage stability in island mode: Natural ester oil supports main transformer reactive power regulation, keeping voltage fluctuation within ±5%.
(2) System coordination
● Integrated control logic across storage, PV, and existing hydro at the four stations – coordinated source-grid-load regulation, meeting cross-border interconnection dispatch requirements.
● Communication interface with ENTSO-E dispatch centres for real-time data exchange.
3. Long-term Chemical Supply + Technical Parameter Compatibility
For full lifecycle chemical needs, 7D CHEM proposes: supply flexibility + precise technical matching + full lifecycle service.
(1) Full chemical inventory and parameter matching
● Battery energy storage: High-stability electrolyte, flame retardants, insulating cleaners, silicone-oil based coolant for liquid cooling – all parameters meet both cell manufacturer recommendations and ENTSO-E dynamic response requirements.
● Solar PV system: Neutral deionised water-based cleaning agent (pH=7±0.5, surface tension <25 mN/m), anti-soiling anti-corrosion coating – ensuring generation efficiency.
● General station needs: Natural ester insulating oil, anti-corrosion agents, hazardous waste treatment chemicals, Novec 1230 fire-fighting agent – all conforming to both Ukrainian and EU standards.
(2) Long-term stable supply system
● Extreme inventory strategy: 7D CHEM supply chain team recommends the EPC contractor pre-position nine months of extreme-consumption reserves in underground/semi-underground warehouses at the four stations.
● 7D CHEM Poland warehouse dispatch (Warsaw → Ukraine):
Warsaw → Kyiv: Warsaw → Lublin → Dorohusk/Yahodyn border → Kyiv (approx. 900 km)
Warsaw → Kaniv: Same as Kyiv route, then continue ~150 km south along the Dnipro River
Warsaw → Kremenchuk: Warsaw → Lublin → border → Zhytomyr → Cherkasy → Kremenchuk
Warsaw → Seredniodniprovska: Warsaw → Lublin → border → Dnipro city → destination (~50 km from Dnipro)
(3) Technical support services
On chemical technology, Chief Engineer Mr. Guo leads the 7D CHEM team in integrated management of formulation design, key parameter validation, EU standards compliance, full-process quality testing and certification. Mr. Guo's team ensures every chemical precisely matches the operating requirements of European equipment.
In parallel, the team conducts systematic training for local Ukrainian O&M personnel on chemical use, storage, testing and emergency response – enhancing hands-on capability and safety awareness, providing sustained talent support for long-term stable operation.
IV. Conclusion and Commitment – 7D CHEM
Our 7D CHEM solution directly addresses the project's three core challenges, with integrated chemical services as the central enabler – comprehensively supporting Ukraine's post-war grid reconstruction, new energy storage and solar PV construction, and European grid synchronisation. We are committed to ensuring compliant chemical products are delivered on time and to specification, operate reliably over the long term, and fully satisfy World Bank project acceptance requirements – thereby helping Ukraine rebuild its power system and successfully complete synchronisation with the European grid.
