State of alert in energy sector, hydrological domain extended by 30 days in Moldova

The government has extended the state of alert in the energy sector and in the hydrological domain by 30 days. The measure is necessary, in order to continue managing risks in the energy sector and the effects of the hydrological drought. Although at present, the supply of electricity and water is taking place without interruptions, regional developments and the persistence of low river flows require maintaining preventive measures to reduce the risk of supply disruptions for the population and essential services.

During August 3-25, the electricity demand on the right bank of the Dniester River was fully covered on a commercial basis. However, Moldova continues to depend to a significant extent on imports from Romania and Ukraine, and reduced availability of certain generation capacities in the region may limit the energy available on the market and generate price pressures, especially during peak consumption hours.

To strengthen domestic generation and storage capacity, the National Crisis Management Commission has approved measures to accelerate projects that can add new capacities to the system. Thus, requests for prior approval of investments for electricity generation and storage projects will be examined as a priority.

At the same time, for the duration of the state of alert, wind and photovoltaic power plants that include storage facilities on the same site and are to be commissioned before the expiry of the state of alert will be exempted from the authorization procedure, with notification of the Authorization Commission.

For wind, photovoltaic and storage projects whose grid connection permits expired in July or will expire during the state of alert, system operators will be able, upon request, to resume the procedure for extending these permits, including in cases where certain procedural deadlines have been exceeded.

For generation and storage capacities already under construction, grid connection permits may be extended, under conditions set by the Commission, for a maximum of three months. Applications will be examined within five days, and no further extension will be possible. The applicant must submit a written commitment to energize the plant within the granted period.

Another measure targets faster development of storage capacities. For applications submitted up to September 15, 2026, system operators will be able to issue grid connection permits under flexible conditions for storage facilities with a total cumulative capacity of up to 200 MW. The mechanism applies to installations with a power of at least 1 MW and a storage capacity greater than 2 MWh, and the permits will be valid for a maximum of six months, with no possibility of extension. For these installations, withdrawing electricity from the grid for charging will not be allowed between 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–23:00.

In parallel, measures to reduce electricity consumption will continue. Local public authorities will ensure, within technical possibilities, at least a 50-per cent cut in electricity consumption for public lighting.

As for the hydrological situation, drought continues to affect the Dniester basin, the Prut basin and several small rivers. On August 18-25, the level of the Dniester reservoir dropped by 31 cm, and on some small rivers the flow represents 10 per cent or less of the average values typical for August.

At the same time, monitored water intake and supply systems are operating without reported interruptions. The measures maintained for the duration of the state of alert aim to ensure continuity of water supply, if the hydrological deficit persists.

Water supply service operators will monitor on a daily basis the volumes of water abstracted and distributed, identify and repair network losses and maintain the reserves necessary for system operation. Local authorities will inventory wells, deep boreholes and other alternative sources that could be used, if needed.

In localities where there is a risk to the continuity of water supply, continuity plans and alternative supply solutions will be prepared. At the same time, drinking water may not be used for irrigation, and the use of water for irrigation will be managed according to resources’ availability.

The National Crisis Management Center will continue to monitor the developments and the implementation of the approved measures.