PM says Moldova makes huge progress in energy sector, wants to continue at more accelerated pace

We have made immense progress in the energy sector, achieving things that seemed impossible four years ago, and we want to continue at an even more accelerated pace. We aim for more than 80 per cent of electricity to be produced locally from renewables by 2050. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has conveyed a message to this effect, in the context of the presentation of the 2050 Energy Strategy of Moldova in Chisinau today.

The official said that, among the most important results, was the achieving of the country's energy independence, which no longer allows for gas blackmail.

“We have operationalized the Iasi-Ungheni–Chisinau Gas Pipeline and, for the first time in history, purchased gas from the European market. At the same time, we have increased renewable capacities tenfold, and in April, 36 per cent of electricity consumption was covered from local green sources, with full coverage at certain hours,” said Dorin Recean.

The PM also referred to the project on construction of the Vulcanesti–Chisinau Energy Independence Line, which is due to be completed by the end of the year. Dorin Recean emphasized the actions taken to support families of Moldova.

“We provided about 10 billion lei in compensations each winter to protect families. Likewise, over 35,000 families have benefited from the EcoVoucher for energy-efficient appliances. We launched for the first time the Energy Efficiency Fund in the residential sector. Also, the largest hospitals in the country are undergoing renovations and all student dormitories will be renovated. When Russia cut off gas to the left bank of the Dniester, we avoided a humanitarian crisis and a cross-border conflict,” said Dorin Recean.

The prime minister reiterated that the state authorities' plans in the energy sector were quite ambitious.

“We want lower invoices and energy-efficient homes - grants up to 70 per cent for renovations, energy efficiency and reduced consumption. Another goal is electricity produced in Moldova and more stable electricity prices: we aim for more than 80 per cent of electricity to be produced locally from renewables by 2050. No energy blackmail and new connections with Romania and the EU, with an exchange capacity of 2,000 MW and gas and electricity stocks. A priority is also the modernization of the Thermal Energy Supply System to achieve lower invoices. We need electrified trains and more infrastructure for electric cars. In the social sector, we will provide protection for the vulnerable through targeted compensations and smart meters,” added Dorin Recean.

The 2050 Energy Strategy of Moldova aims to ensure the transition towards a safe, sustainable, efficient and competitive energy system. For its carrying out, investments are estimated at 43 billion euros in new capacities for electricity production from renewable sources, building renovations and the transition to sustainable electric heating, decarbonization and modernization of centralized heating, for electrification and green infrastructure in the transport sector, but also for energy efficiency, digitalization, hydrogen, storage and research and development.

Achieving the objectives set would result in savings of over 4 billion euros from the reduction in natural gas consumption, a 30-per cent decrease in operating and maintenance costs and annual savings estimated at 355 million euros in 2030 and over 1 billion euros in 2050. At the same time, economic modeling indicates that the energy transition and the implementation of the strategy will contribute to an annual approximately 2-per cent growth of the Gross Domestic Product.