Moldova, Ukraine strengthen energy cooperation, set priorities for preparing for next cold season

Preparations for the next autumn-winter season, strengthening regional cooperation for the joint European integration of the electricity markets of Ukraine and Moldova, as well as the measures needed to enhance the resilience of the two states’ energy systems have been the topics considered at a meeting between Ambassador of Moldova to Ukraine Victor Chirila and Chairman of the Management Board of “Ukrenergo”, Vitaliy Zaychenko.

The head of Ukrenergo noted that the two states had quite clear projects, the implementation of which will allow strengthening of interstate connections between Ukraine and Moldova and, in the long run, also with Romania.

“At present, for Ukrenergo and our Moldovan colleagues, the issue of preparing for the next winter is extremely relevant. It is also important to increase the technical capacity of our cross-border interconnections, which requires the construction of new power lines. We have very clear projects, the implementation of which will allow strengthening of interstate connections between Ukraine and Moldova and, in the long run, also with Romania. This will strengthen our common resilience and expand the possibilities for balancing the energy systems in the region. We are very grateful to our partners for the constructive dialogue on each of these topics,” said Vitaliy Zaychenko.

At the same time, Ambassador of Moldova to Ukraine Victor Chirila expressed his gratitude for the prompt reaction of the Ukrainian side in emergency situations and stressed the importance of continuing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. The head of the diplomatic mission also called for organizing as many expert-level meetings as possible. He confirmed the full openness of the Moldovan side for exchanging experience in the process of transposing and implementing European Union directives into national legislation.

The two officials also discussed the conclusion of agreements on the provision of emergency assistance in the event of electricity surpluses in the energy systems, which will have a positive impact on the quality of their balancing in Ukraine and Moldova. Likewise, Vitaliy Zaychenko and Victor Chirila also examined the issue of regulating the maintenance of power lines that cross the common border.

In the spring of 2022, Moldova and Ukraine completed the process of synchronization with the European energy network ENTSO-E. This is the European network of electricity transmission system operators. The 39 member Transmission System Operators (TSOs), representing 35 countries, are responsible for the safe and coordinated operation of Europe’s interconnected power system, the largest interconnected electricity network in the world.