Former Moldovan PM says January 31 energy crisis one of most severe since Moldova's independence

A former prime minister of Moldova, Ion Sturza, commented on the energy crisis that occurred on January 31, praising the reaction of the authorities and field specialists. According to him, the situation was “one of the most severe since independence, perhaps with the exception of the years 1998–1999.”

Ion Sturza emphasized that, unlike past crises, this time, Moldova faced a much more complicated context, marked by major technical problems and the war in Ukraine, which directly affects the regional energy infrastructure.

“I want to congratulate all those who managed yesterday’s energy crisis – one of the most severe since independence. I saw an extremely professional response on behalf Moldovan energy specialists and the state authorities. It was clear proof that there is a crisis plan: technical solutions at the limit, but efficient, applied quickly and responsibly,” Sturza said.

The former PM drew attention to the fact that the events took place against the background of bombardments on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, to which the Moldovan energy system is still connected, “a legacy of the USSR.”

At the same time, Ion Sturza expressed optimism about the country’s energy future, noting that the Vulcanesti–Chisinau high-voltage line had entered the testing phase and was to be put into operation, which will significantly reduce the system’s vulnerability.

“Together with the 110 kV lines, which have operated impeccably, and the two new lines in the center and north, built with the support of the U.S. Government, we will permanently get rid of the status of ‘terminal station’ of the former USSR,” he said.

Ion Sturza noted, in particular, the support provided by specialists from Romania and Ukraine in managing the situation, expressing his appreciation for regional cooperation.

“Moldova, as a state, has a future,” the former prime minister concluded.

On January 31morning, at 10:42, disturbances were recorded in the power system of Moldova, after the voltage dropped on the 400 kV Isaccea–Vulcanesti–MGRES (Kuchurgan power station) high-voltage line. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu said that Moldova was facing a delicate situation in the national power system as a result of malfunctions in the electricity network in Ukraine. The process of restoring the power supply in the transmission system was completed by 15:40 throughout the country.