Moldova to continue liberalizing gas, electricity markets in 2027

Moldova is strengthening its interconnection with the European energy system through three electricity infrastructure projects and the liberalization of the natural gas and electricity markets will continue in 2027. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu has made statements to this effect at the eighth edition of the International Energy Conference of Romania, held in Bucharest.

During the session dedicated to the future of energy markets, the official discussed the interconnections between Moldova and Romania, security of supply, market liberalization and regional cooperation.

The minister started his speech by referring to the energization of the 400 kV Vulcanesti–Chisinau electricity line, a project he described as an important milestone for the energy sector of Moldova.

“This is a historic moment for Moldova, after decades during which insufficient investment was made in electricity transmission infrastructure. This line means more than an investment in a network. It means greater freedom to decide where we purchase energy and fewer vulnerabilities in the face of external pressures,” Dorin Junghietu said.

The minister thanked Romania for its support to Moldova in the process of drawing closer to the European energy market.

“Romania is the partner without whom our rapprochement with the European energy market would not have been possible. I would like to thank the Romanian authorities and citizens for their continued support for Moldova, including during the most difficult moments of the energy crises,” the official said.

As for the other two interconnection projects with Romania, Junghietu noted that the construction contract for the Balti–Suceava line had been signed and that work on the territory of Moldova is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

The Straseni–Gutinas line project is receiving a 130-million-dollars-worth grant from the United States. According to the minister, the completion of the three interconnections will enable the import and export of larger volumes of electricity and strengthen Moldova’s position in the regional energy system.

Another topic discussed was the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea, where natural gas production is expected to begin in the first half of 2027. According to Junghietu, the extracted gas could provide an additional supply source for Moldova and create new commercial opportunities for companies in the region.

Referring to the liberalization of energy markets, the minister noted that, following the liberalization of the gas market for large consumers, more than half of Moldova’s final natural gas consumption was supplied by independent providers at prices negotiated directly with customers.

The next stages are scheduled for 2027. Starting from next April, medium-sized natural gas consumers will move to the free market and while beginning with July, the transition will become mandatory for large electricity consumers.

Dorin Junghietu emphasized that bringing the energy markets of Moldova and Romania closer together should bring economic benefits to both states by intensifying competition, attracting investments, developing partnerships between companies and improving conditions for consumers.

The International Energy Conference of Romania, organized by the Energy Employers’ Federation, in partnership with Romania’s Ministry of Energy, took place under the theme, Fields of Power: The New Energy Frontiers. The event brought together representatives of public authorities, industry leaders and experts for discussions on security of supply, developments in energy markets and the impact of geopolitical changes on the European energy sector.