First in Moldova's energy sector: Moldelectrica enterprise activates balancing services provided by photovoltaic plants equipped with storage systems

Moldova on June 11 marked a new milestone in the process of modernizing its energy sector. Between 13:30 and 16:30, Moldelectrica activated for the first time balancing services provided on the balancing market from new capacities of hybrid power plants combining photovoltaic generation with electricity storage systems.

The activations were carried out by mixed photovoltaic power plants with storage components located in Radeni and Negureni settlements, with capacities of 50 MW and 40 MW, respectively. At the request of the system operator, these plants reduced their electricity output, helping to decrease surplus imbalances, maintain the balance between generation and consumption and ensure the safe operation of the National Power System. The maximum power activated for reduction reached 25 MW.

Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu has said that the activation of balancing services provided by photovoltaic plants equipped with storage systems confirmed the practical working of the balancing market mechanisms developed by the transmission system operator and proves that storage installations and renewable sources can play an active role not only in producing clean energy, but also in ensuring the stability and balance of the electricity grid. “It is a clear sign of market maturity and alignment with European practices,” the minister said.

According to statistics data, at the beginning of 2026, installed capacities from renewable sources exceeded 1,000 MW, and the share of green energy in electricity consumption reached 24.5 per cent, compared to only 3.6 per cent in 2021. Thus, in the context of the quick increase in installed renewable capacities of Moldova, balancing mechanisms are becoming essential for the safe integration of green energy into the system, as well as for the proper stability of the power system.

The power system must be constantly in balance. If at a certain moment, more energy is produced than consumed, the system’s frequency begins to rise, and vice versa. On sunny days, when photovoltaic production is very high and consumption relatively low, an energy surplus may occur; in other periods of increased consumption, a deficit may appear. In these cases, the transmission system operator activates balancing services—requesting reserve-providing units (power plants, storage installations or controllable consumption sites) either to increase or to reduce their output.