Energy cooperation between Moldova and Romania discussed at conference in Chișinău

The opportunities for expanding energy cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Romania were examined today in Chișinău at a conference Energy Bridge Romania – Republic of Moldova: From Dependence to Energy Autonomy. The event is dedicated to energy security, the green transition and strategic cooperation between the two states, bringing together representatives of public institutions, energy companies, experts and strategic partners.

The conference is organized by the Association of Romanian Investors in the Republic of Moldova and aims to create a relevant framework for dialogue, exchange of expertise and the identification of concrete solutions for the Republic of Moldova’s energy future.

At the opening of the event, Romania’s Ambassador to Chișinău Cristian-Leon Țurcanu said that at present the relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is no longer only about common aspirations and historical brotherhood, but is translated into concrete actions, active construction sites, megawatts and cubic meters of gas delivered on time.

“This event touches on the very essence of our common future. We are talking about the pillars on which we build indestructible bridges across the Prut, and they are very clear: energy security, the green transition and, in general, our strategic cooperation. Today, the relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is no longer just about common aspirations and historical brotherhood. It is translated into deeds, into concrete deeds, into open construction sites, into megawatts and into cubic meters of gas delivered on time. It is a relationship defined by solidarity, resilience and a very clear vision: the full integration of the Republic of Moldova into the great European family,” the official declared.

The Ambassador also stressed that in recent years the Republic of Moldova has taken huge steps in the energy sector, and energy blackmail, used for decades as a geopolitical weapon, has lost its power, with Chișinău demonstrating historic resilience.

“Looking back, we see the huge steps that the Republic of Moldova has taken in record time. Energy blackmail, used for decades as a geopolitical weapon, has lost its power here, in the Republic of Moldova. Chișinău has demonstrated historic resilience, refusing to kneel in the face of artificial crises. Romania was, is and will remain the guarantor of this stability,” said Cristian-Leon Țurcanu.

The official also referred to the joint projects implemented by Romania and the Republic of Moldova in the energy field.

“Iași–Ungheni–Chișinău gas pipeline is no longer just a line on a map, but a vital safety belt that delivers security to citizens’ homes. But we are not stopping here. Security means full interconnection. We are working at an accelerated pace to connect the electricity grids through the high-voltage lines Vulcănești–Chișinău and Suceava–Bălți. Every electricity pole erected is one step closer to the single European market and a definitive break with the past of dangerous dependencies. Today’s energy security is closely intertwined with the sustainability of the future. The green transition is not just a bureaucratic concept from Brussels. It represents a huge opportunity for economic modernization, cleaner air and lower bills for citizens. Romania brings all its expertise to the table. We share best practices in attracting European funds and in developing renewable energy. We support energy efficiency projects in the Republic of Moldova, from thermal insulation of public buildings to the modernization of district heating systems. The shift to clean, wind and solar energy will turn both our states into competitive players on the market of the future,” the Ambassador argued.

He also underlined that all the joint efforts of the two countries converge towards a single point: the irreversible path of the Republic of Moldova towards the European Union.

“Romania not only supports this path, but walks shoulder to shoulder with Chișinău at every stage of the accession negotiations. Our assistance is indeed technical, but it is also political, and above all it comes from the heart. The energy security of the Republic of Moldova is directly the energy security of Romania and an essential component of the security of the entire European area. We are united by our past, we are united by our language, but most importantly, we are united by the project of a free, prosperous, safe and shared future. Let us continue to build with courage a greener and deeply connected region,” concluded the Romanian Ambassador to Chișinău.

For his part, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova Dorin Junghietu said that energy means security, independence and a country’s ability to decide its own future, and that the Republic of Moldova has made a very clear choice – its future is European, interconnected and free from energy blackmail.

“It is an honor to open today the conference Energy Bridge Romania–Moldova – from Dependence to Energy Autonomy. The title of this conference in fact tells the story of the last few years in the Republic of Moldova. A story of courage, a story of solidarity, a story of freedom. Because energy is not only about kilowatts and cubic meters of gas. Energy means security, independence, the ability of a country to decide its own future. And the Republic of Moldova has made a very clear choice. Our future is European, interconnected and free from energy blackmail,” said the Energy Minister.

Dorin Junghietu noted that a few years ago, almost total dependence on a single supplier was presented as an inevitable reality, while today this dependence belongs to the past. The official thanked Romania for the support granted to the country along this path.

“We have shown that Moldova can. It can diversify its supply sources, it can build solid partnerships, it can withstand pressure, it can turn a crisis into a historic opportunity. And if today we are talking about energy autonomy, this is also due to Romania’s constant support. Romania stood by the Republic of Moldova when we most needed it. Romania supplied gas when there was uncertainty. Romania supplied electricity when our energy system was being tested. Romania provided confidence when others were counting on our vulnerability. That is why the interconnections between the two banks of the Prut are not just technical projects. They are bridges of security, bridges of solidarity, bridges towards the European future of the Republic of Moldova. Today, our energy markets are increasingly integrated. We are building common rules, common mechanisms and a common vision. We are taking concrete steps towards market coupling, transparency and competitiveness. But most importantly, Moldova is no longer talking only about energy survival. Moldova is talking about development,” the Minister said.

At the same time, Junghietu emphasized that the Republic of Moldova is becoming an attractive space for capital, technology and strategic partnerships, including for companies from Romania.

“Because we are not only building energy projects; we are building a modern market, a predictable market, a European market. In recent years we have launched extensive energy efficiency programs, accelerated reforms and created mechanisms to encourage private investment. And we will continue at the same pace. For us, green energy is not just a climate obligation; it is an economic opportunity, a security opportunity and an opportunity to modernize the Republic of Moldova. Today, when we look back, we see how long the road from dependence to autonomy has been. But when we look ahead, we see something even more important – a future that we are building together with Romania, with European partners, with investors who believe in the potential of the Republic of Moldova. Because true energy independence is not built in a day, not through a single project and not by one actor alone. It is built through trust, through investment and through solidarity. And today, here, we demonstrate once again that the energy bridge between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is already a reality,” he concluded.

The conference agenda includes two thematic panels. The first focuses on the energy security of the Republic of Moldova through interconnection – a dialogue on the role of infrastructure, regional partnerships and Romania–Republic of Moldova cooperation in strengthening energy independence. The second panel – Smart Energy in the Republic of Moldova – from Renewables to Digitalization and Flexibility – addresses developments in renewable energy, digital solutions and modern approaches through which the Republic of Moldova can build a more efficient and more resilient energy system.