Moldova marks four years since synchronization of national power system with European grid

The Republic of Moldova is today marking four years since the synchronization of its National Power System with the European continental grid operated by ENTSO-E. Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu stated that the synchronization represented a historic moment and a major strategic step that contributed to strengthening our country’s energy security.

“Today marks four years since the synchronization of the National Power System with the European continental grid operated by ENTSO-E, a historic moment for the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova. The synchronization represented a major strategic step, which contributed to strengthening the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and to integrating the national power system into the European energy space,” the official said.

He added that “synchronization with the continental energy system was even more important for the energy security and independence of the Republic of Moldova than the diversification of natural gas supply sources.”

“This allowed us to ensure system stability when Russia was bombing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and to move forward with other major reforms, including those with long-term impact,” he underlined.

According to the Ministry of Energy, before synchronization, Moldova’s energy system was the “end of the line” of the former Soviet Union system, IPS/UPS, and Moldova could import electricity either only from Ukraine or only from Romania. Now, however, the system can operate in synchronous mode with both countries, being much more stable.

At the same time, the interconnections with Ukraine, which pass through the Transnistrian region, were vulnerable, while at present the Republic of Moldova is much less vulnerable and much less open to blackmail regarding the transmission infrastructure on the left bank of the Dniester, the cited source noted.

The emergency synchronization of the power systems of Ukraine and Moldova with the continental one was carried out in March 2022. This remains one of the most important milestones in the evolution of the power system of the Republic of Moldova and an essential pillar in the process of integration into the European energy market.

ENTSO-E, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, is the association for cooperation among European transmission system operators (TSOs). The 39 member TSOs, representing 35 countries, are responsible for the safe and coordinated operation of Europe’s electricity system, the largest interconnected power grid in the world.