Three scenarios for coping with the coming cold season. Rational consumption comes first
The Republic of Moldova aims to reduce gas consumption in the 2023-2024 cold season by 15% compared to their average consumption in 2017-2022. This is reflected in the Plan of Measures for preparing for the next cold season, announced by Energy Minister Victor Parlicov at today's Cabinet meeting. Among the conditions that made it necessary to draw up the Plan are events related to the war in Ukraine and the dominant position of the Russian Federation on the energy markets.
"The crisis that has broken out in the energy sector and especially in the gas sector in 2021-2022 has made the European Union to address in a special way the preparation for the winter season, instituting a series of measures, extending these measures from year to year. This government decision comes to adjust the winter preparation to the existing realities. We are now much better prepared. We are buying gas for the winter period, to have reserves, at good prices," explained Energy Minister Victor Parlicov.
The authorities have analysed three scenarios, two of which are likely to limit gas supply by up to 100%. According to the first scenario, there are no limitations from Gazprom; the second one shows that the Russian concern delivers 5.7 million cubic meters per day to Moldova, which will be equally distributed between the right and left banks of the Dniester, or only to the Transnistrian region, including for electricity generation for consumers on the right bank; and the third one foresees the termination of the contract with Gazprom.
If there are no gas supply limitations, the plan foresees monitoring the rational consumption of energy resources, the use of biomass power plants or increased demand for wood or coal. If Gazprom will deliver only 5.7 million cubic metres per day, measures such as reducing centralised heating by 10%, using available gas security stocks and those produced by Energocom, switching "Termoelectrica" to run on fuel oil and natural gas, 50% each, and accessing a €300 million loan from the EBRD are planned.
