Moldova discusses new energy cooperation projects with Romania, Bulgaria and Sweden

The development of electricity interconnections between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, the security of natural gas and petroleum product supplies, as well as attracting investment in renewable energy and storage capacities were the main topics discussed by Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu with his counterparts from Romania and Bulgaria and with Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of the European Union for Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE), held in Luxembourg.

During discussions with Romania’s Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță, the officials analyzed the progress of the three 400 kV electricity interconnection projects between the Republic of Moldova and Romania.

These include the Vulcănești–Chișinău line, which is preparing for its official launch; the Bălți–Suceava interconnection, for which construction and implementation works are underway on both sides of the Prut River; and the Strășeni–Gutinaș line project, for which the next steps were discussed.

Junghietu thanked Romania for its support in ensuring the Republic of Moldova’s energy security, including electricity deliveries during periods of crisis and cooperation to maintain fuel supplies amid tensions in the Middle East. Dumitru Chisăliță reaffirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and developing energy interconnections.

At the meeting with Bulgaria’s Energy Minister Iva Petrova, the officials discussed regional cooperation within the CESEC initiative and the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor as an alternative supply route for countries in the region. They also discussed accelerating interconnection projects and maintaining affordable energy prices.

Another topic concerned Bulgaria’s experience in developing battery energy storage capacities. In this context, the Moldovan minister invited Bulgarian companies to explore investment opportunities in renewable energy, storage and energy efficiency projects in the Republic of Moldova.

During discussions with Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Ebba Busch, Dorin Junghietu presented investment opportunities in Moldova’s energy sector. According to the Ministry of Energy, the installed renewable energy generation capacity in the Republic of Moldova has reached approximately 1,200 MW, while storage capacity totals around 260 MWh.

The official invited Swedish companies to participate in energy generation and storage projects, as well as in energy efficiency programs. He also thanked Sweden for its support for the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund and for Swedfund’s involvement in financing the feasibility study on the energy recovery of waste.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou welcomed the commitment and progress made by the gas transmission system operator and Moldovan authorities in adjusting transmission costs along the Vertical Gas Corridor.

The TTE Council meeting in Luxembourg addressed the challenges facing the European energy sector, including security of supply, price affordability, infrastructure development and the integration of energy markets.