Moldova faces energy blackout threat: Urgent measures needed
Moldova faces a critical energy crisis, with the potential for widespread blackouts and economic disruption.
The country heavily relies on Russian gas, and with Ukraine halting transit, securing alternative supplies is paramount. The government is negotiating with Gazprom to ensure continued gas deliveries, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, Moldova is diversifying its energy sources, increasing reliance on local power plants and regional suppliers. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation if a solution is not found.
Energocom is negotiating with the Cuciurgan Power Plant to extend the electricity supply contract for the right bank starting January 1, 2025. While discussions are ongoing, a key challenge remains: securing a reliable gas supply for the left bank. Without this, generating electricity for the right bank becomes impossible.
Ukraine's decision to halt Russian gas transit next year complicates matters further. Gazprom must now reserve necessary gas volumes via the Turkish Stream pipeline to fulfill its contract with Moldovagaz.
In late November, former Energy Minister Victor Parlicov visited Saint Petersburg to discuss future natural gas supplies with Gazprom. Gazprom has conditioned continued gas deliveries to Transnistria on the settlement of a historical debt of $709 million. Moldova disputes this figure, offering to pay only $8.6 million. To meet its electricity needs in December, Energocom will source 37% from MGRES, 33% from the Romanian OPCOM exchange and other regional partners, and 25% from local thermal power plants in Chisinau and Balti. Renewable energy sources will contribute 1.4%.
Historically, 90% of the right bank's electricity has come from the Cuciurgan Power Plant. However, the current energy landscape necessitates a more diversified approach, including increased reliance on regional suppliers and domestic generation.
The October 2023 extension of the MGRES contract, at a price of $66/MWh, provides some short-term relief but underscores the need for long-term solutions to ensure energy security.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
