Energy minister says energy infrastructure backbone of green transition in Moldova

One of the main pillars of the green transition is the 10-year development plan for the electricity transmission system, which includes four essential interconnections with Romania. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu has made statements to this effect during the Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity (Cluster IV) panel at the Conference titled, Enlargement Report 2025: Progress and Future Priorities of Moldova.

The minister said that the Vulcanesti-Chisinau power line project, also known as the energy independence line, was almost completed.

"The foundations for the towers are ready, and the work at the substations in Chisinau and Vulcanesti has reached 75 per cent, respectively 60 per cent. Step by step, we are getting closer to completing this stage," said Junghietu.

Another strategic project is the Balti-Suceava interconnector, which will allow the integration of a larger volume of renewable energy into the grid.

"On the Romanian side, the design phase is completed, and in Moldova, bids for the tender have been received. We estimate that, by the end of the year, the winner will be chosen, and the works will start at the beginning of 2026. The line could be completed by 2027," added the minister.

Junghietu noted that two other projects – the Straseni-Gutinas interconnector, fully funded by the United States Government, and the Dniester-Balti line – are in advanced stages of planning and are expected to be implemented by 2030.

"These interconnections will allow us making more extensive integration with the European power system and, in the medium term, will bring us closer to full membership in the ENTSO-E network, alongside Ukraine," stressed the energy minister.

Infrastructure is the backbone of the energy transition, and legislative reforms will complement this process

 

Dorin Junghietu said that energy infrastructure played a central role in Moldova's green transition and its process of interconnection with the European networks.

"Infrastructure is at the heart of the green transition – transport, distribution and supply of electricity. Our society is quickly advancing towards urbanization, and the increasing number of cars and trucks has a significant impact on the environment. Therefore, we are promoting the electrification of transport, including trains and urban buses," said Junghietu.

He also said that while fossil fuels would still be present for a while in sectors like the pharmaceutical industry and heating, Moldova needs to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, according to the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan and the National Energy Strategy.

European Commission findings on Chapter 15 - Energy. Progress and Challenges

The European Commission's enlargement report states that Moldova has made significant progress in the energy sector, particularly in the electricity and gas markets, aligning with the European Union's energy integration package and adopting the National Energy and Climate Plan in February 2025.

Important reforms have been promoted, including diversifying energy supply sources, phasing out energy dependence, adopting the Electric Energy Law, and the ongoing separation of MoldovaGaz and MoldovaTransgaz transport networks. Significant tenders have also been launched in the renewable energy sector, and the National Center for Sustainable Energy is already operational, focusing on energy efficiency and building renovation.

However, the Commission notes that challenges stay in implementing the National Energy and Climate Plan, investing in balancing capacities and advancing interconnection projects with the European Union's power grid. Coordination between infrastructure and energy planning is essential for Moldova's integration into the EU's internal energy market.