Energy minister Athens says Moldova undergoing major transformation of its energy system

Moldova is undergoing a major transformation of its energy system, moving towards a diversified model based on market rules and aligned with European standards. We are today better prepared to respond to energy crises and regional volatility, and this progress is the result of investments, cooperation with European partners and the reforms implemented in recent years. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu has made statements to this effect, who took part in the Energy Transition Summit organized by the Financial Times in the Greek capital.

The official reviewed the reforms promoted by Moldova to modernize the energy sector and move closer to the European energy market.

“Completion of the 400 kV Vulcanesti–Chisinau overhead transmission line is one of the most important energy projects implemented by Moldova in recent decades. At the same time, progress on the Suceava–Balti and Straseni–Gutinas projects will strengthen connectivity with Romania and the European energy market, directly contributing to the energy security of citizens and the stability of the national energy system,” the minister underlined.

At the summit, the official noted that all three energy interconnection projects with Romania were already financed and were at different stages of implementation. In addition, the secondary 330 kV Balti–Dnestrovsk line, included in the European Union’s Growth Plan and in the list of Projects of Energy Community Interest, will add around 500 MW of cross-border capacity, enhancing the system’s resilience and facilitating the integration of renewable energy.

The energy minister also referred to the development of green energy and investments in modern energy storage capacities.

“In just five years, we have increased installed renewable energy capacity 13-fold, surpassing the 1 GW threshold. This is clear evidence that Moldova can build a modern energy system that is less dependent on external energy resources,” Dorin Junghietu said.

The minister highlighted that renewable energy already accounts for almost a quarter of electricity production in Moldova and that competitive tenders organized by the state had accelerated the development of photovoltaic and wind projects, as well as the development of storage capacities.

As for the security of supply of natural gas and oil products, the minister stressed that Moldova had managed to build access to multiple European supply routes, including through interconnection with Romania, the use of the Trans-Balkan Corridor and access to regional storage capacities.

The participants in the summit in Athens discussed energy objectives up to 2030, the development of regional infrastructure, the speeding up of the green transition and the strengthening of energy security in South-Eastern Europe and the wider Black Sea region.