PHOTO // Energy Minister approached regional energy security strengthening in Brussels

Opportunities for cooperation to strengthen regional energy security, advance sector reforms and deepen institutional cooperation were discussed in Brussels by Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu with Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations in the European Commission Gert Jan Koopman, as well as with Ambassador of the United States of America to the European Union Andrew Puzder.

In discussions with the European official, the minister spoke about the impact of the recent attacks on Isaccea–Vulcănești line, an energy infrastructure located in Ukraine but owned by the Republic of Moldova, stressing that our country managed to handle the situation through efficient coordination with regional partners.

“It was a very difficult period for us, but close cooperation with Romania and Ukraine allowed us to overcome these challenges. We have shown that the contingency plans drawn up earlier provided intervention mechanisms that work even in extreme scenarios,” emphasized Dorin Junghietu.

The minister also mentioned that the Republic of Moldova has completed the preparation plan for the summer period, in cooperation with European institutions, and that the authorities remain vigilant in the context of persistent risks. At the same time, he highlighted progress in developing energy storage capacities, including the inauguration of the first large-scale storage facility and the goal of quickly reaching 200 MWh of installed capacity.

“Investments in storage and flexibility are essential for strengthening our energy resilience,” the minister noted.

Another topic on the agenda was the security of petroleum product supply, in the context of volatility on international markets. The minister stressed the need for close coordination with the European Union, pointing out that “the EU’s energy security does not stop at the borders of the Union, and the Republic of Moldova must be part of this common effort.” He also underlined the importance of including our country in relevant European mechanisms, especially in the field of aviation fuel.

In the context of the Growth Plan, the minister reported that Vulcănești–Chișinău power line project is ready for completion by the end of May, and that the authorities will apply penalties to contracted companies in the event of any delays. Progress in transposing European legislation on oil stocks was also mentioned. The European official welcomed the measures taken to strengthen energy security and align with European Union standards.

During the meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Andrew Puzder, Junghietu expressed appreciation for the constant support offered by the United States in strengthening the energy security of the Republic of Moldova.

“We are grateful for the strong partnership with the United States and for the opportunities that energy cooperation opens up for the Republic of Moldova and the entire region. Access to diversified energy resources, including liquefied natural gas from the United States, directly contributes to reducing dependence on traditional import sources and to increasing economic competitiveness,” the minister said.

The discussions also covered the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor, with the minister emphasizing the Republic of Moldova’s support for facilitating the flow of liquefied natural gas from the United States to the entire region.

In this context, the potential for developing an investment project in the south of the country was highlighted, which could use American gas for electricity production, including for export to Ukraine.

Another topic addressed was Strășeni–Gutinaș power line project, implemented with U.S. support, aimed at strengthening interconnection with Romania and contributing to the modernization of the power grid. The minister mentioned that the pre-feasibility study is underway and is expected to be completed this summer, with the main objective being to put the line into operation by 2030.

The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation in nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, as well as the potential for the development of geothermal energy.

“We aim to harness new technologies and develop strategic partnerships that will contribute to diversifying the energy mix and strengthening long-term security,” the minister underlined.

At the end of the meeting, the U.S. side reiterated its support for the Republic of Moldova in implementing strategic infrastructure projects, confirming its commitment to developing bilateral cooperation in this field.

Junghietu is paying an official visit to Brussels on 4 - 6 May, focused on strengthening energy cooperation with European institutions and international partners. The agenda includes bilateral meetings and participation in a series of events, with discussions centred on energy security in the current geopolitical context, reforms, and investments for infrastructure development.