Romania Plays a Key Role in Moldova’s Energy Security

Romania’s energy sector “must have the potential to supply all of Moldova’s needs, indefinitely, under all circumstances.” This is stipulated in Romania’s Energy Strategy for 2025-2035, with a perspective until 2050. The document states that the government in Bucharest intends to fully take over Moldova’s energy supply, arguing that Romania’s energy security is “inextricably linked to the energy security of its neighbors across the Prut.” At the same time, there are other opinions. Pointing to “our neighbors across the Prut”, the source notes that “we give to other states”, while “we have no energy ourselves”. Against this background, Romania is predicted to increase electricity imports to cover the deficit caused by the closure of some production facilities. It also takes into account the significant challenges related to market fluctuations and regional vulnerabilities caused by the war in Ukraine and, indirectly, Romania’s geostrategic position on the eastern border of the European Union. Everything should be aimed at creating a sustainable energy sector able to react quickly and efficiently in any type of crisis, in order to guarantee a continuous and reliable energy supply, the Energy Strategy 2025-2030 states. “Romania needs to integrate the electricity market of the Republic of Moldova into the national and European market. In addition, Romania is and will continue to be involved in key regional projects and initiatives aimed at electricity and gas transmission infrastructure, with a particular focus on the implementation and completion of projects of common interest (PCI). The interconnection of the natural gas and electricity transmission systems of Romania and the Republic of Moldova is a strategic goal of both countries. The development of inter-system links with Ukraine, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Greece and Turkey is also of great importance,” the government document said. According to the regulation, Romania’s status as a provider of energy security in Moldova and in the region is largely ensured by the activity of the national energy companies in which the state participates. “All six companies have ambitious development plans, including new investment targets, modernization and renewal of existing capacities, as well as the regional expansion. As for the regional expansion, one example is the takeover of Moldova’s national gas transmission system (management, operation, distribution and transport) by TRANSGAS through its Moldovan subsidiary Vestmoldtransgaz SRL, starting from September 2023,” the quoted document said. To make household spending more efficient, the Romanian government is advocating the introduction of intelligent metering systems (SMI) and electricity contracts with dynamic pricing, which will allow consumers to make more informed decisions and optimize their electricity consumption patterns. Chisinau government is also taking measures to reduce the cost of electricity for consumers.