Energy security on agenda of Moldovan National Security Council's meeting

President Maia Sandu today chaired a meeting of the National Security Council (CNS). The participants in the event analyzed the energy situation of Moldova,  against the backdrop of risks generated by international tensions and developments on external markets, as well as the measures needed to ensure the country’s energy security on the coming period.

The participants in the CNS meeting found that, at present, there was no immediate danger as for the supply of Moldova with natural gas, electricity or fuel. At the same time, the state authorities are constantly monitoring global developments and preparing in advance measures for any possible scenario, so that the population and the economy are protected in the event of new disruptions.

An important topic on the Council’s agenda was the strategic energy infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the interconnection of Moldova with Romania and thus with the European energy network. The status of the Vulcanesti–Chisinau, Balti–Suceava and Straseni–Gutinas power line projects was reviewed, highlighting the fact that, according to the contract, the completion deadline for the Vulcanesti–Chisinau line is the end of next June.

The CNS members addressed the development of energy storage capacities, the expansion of renewable energy’s use and the acceleration of energy efficiency projects, which are essential for strengthening energy independence. The participants agreed on the fact that the Energocom joint stock company would continue diversifying supply sources and routes, in order to ensure that Moldova has access to as many purchasing options as possible and to reduce external vulnerabilities.

The physical and cyber security of critical energy infrastructure was also analyzed, in the context of increased risks triggered by the regional situation.

At the end of the meeting, the National Security Council approved decisions concerning: continuous monitoring of energy risks; preparation of a support programme for vulnerable families for the cold season; acceleration of strategic energy projects; development of storage and energy efficiency capacities; reduction of physical and cyber vulnerabilities of energy infrastructure; rapid and transparent information of the population, in order to prevent panic and speculation.

At the same time, the participants in the meeting underlined the importance of reducing energy consumption in public institutions, households and the private sector, with energy efficiency representing an important contribution to strengthening the country’s energy security.