Moldovan Energy Ministry consults business community to set priorities in energy sector

The Energy Ministry has launched consultations with representatives of the business community, in order to establish the priorities of the new mandate in the energy sector, during a meeting attended by companies and industry associations. The discussions focused on the challenges faced by the industry and the measures needed for the development of the energy market in the coming years.

According to the Energy Ministry, the main topics addressed included accelerating the use of funds available through the European Union’s Growth Plan, developing competitive markets for electricity and natural gas, investments in transmission and distribution networks, eliminating administrative barriers to new investments and increasing the liquidity of organized markets.

Business representatives called for a stable and predictable regulatory framework, early consultations on the transposition of European legislation and fair access to energy infrastructure for all investors. They also discussed facilitating the connection of new generation capacities, developing bilateral contracts on the organized market OPEM and the prospects for expanding natural gas infrastructure and electricity networks.

“I wanted one of the first meetings of this mandate to be with those who develop, finance and operate the energy sector. Investors and companies must be our partners in reforming the market. The message we heard today is quite clear: Moldova needs predictable rules, less bureaucracy, accelerated investments in networks and a competitive market that works for the benefit of consumers. These objectives coincide with the priorities of the Energy Ministry,” said Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu.

During the consultations, representatives of companies and industry associations presented a set of proposals on the development of the energy market, the integration of renewable energy producers, the modernization of energy infrastructure and the improvement of the regulatory framework.

The Energy Ministry announced that it would analyze the proposals submitted and would continue the dialogue with industry stakeholders in the process of drafting and implementing public policies in the field.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the European Business Association, AmCham Moldova, the Association of Electricity Producers from Renewable Sources, the Association of Electricity Suppliers, RED Nord, BRM East Energy, Premier Energy, Moldovagaz, as well as energy project developers and other market participants.