Moldova launches new auction for big wind power plants, accompanied for storage batteries for the first time

Moldova has recently launched a new auction for the construction of wind power plants with a total capacity of 170 MW. For the first time, they will be accompanied by energy storage systems of 44 MWh. The auction procedures, eligibility criteria and support mechanisms today were presented at the Investors’ Conference held in Chisinau.

Present at the event, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu said that wind energy and energy storage systems were key pillars in the energy transition of Moldova. They allow us to capitalize on the country’s natural potential and reduce dependence on imports.

“We are living in a time marked by major challenges. Energy security, system resilience and sustainability are no longer an option, but strategic priorities. In recent years, we have seen how vulnerable economies can be when dependence on external energy sources is high, and how important it is to invest in modern, flexible and sustainable solutions. In the context, wind energy and energy storage systems are key pillars in the energy transition of Moldova. They allow us to make use of our country’s natural potential, to reduce dependence on imports and to integrate renewable energy into our national grid. The auction for the development of onshore wind capacities, combined with the development of battery energy storage systems, is a concrete and ambitious step to this end. Through this process, we aim to attract transparent and sustainable investments that will contribute not only to energy security, but also to the economic development of the country, making our production more competitive,” said Dorin Junghietu.

The minister noted that the first auction in this field had generated investments of approximately 200 million euros and around 400 jobs.

“These figures clearly prove that the energy market of Moldova is functional, credible and attractive for investors,” the official said.

Dorin Junghietu also underlined that, in recent years, Moldova had witnessed  significant acceleration in the green transition.

“We are approaching the reference point of 1,000 MW of installed renewable energy capacity. In 2020, we had only 77 MW of renewable energy capacity. Over five years, generation has increased twelvefold,” the minister noted.

The official thanked external partners who support the development of the country’s energy sector.

“With the assistance of our development partners, Moldova is accelerating reforms in the energy sector, including in the renewable energy segment. This path has made our country more attractive to investors and has helped align our policies with European Union standards,” Dorin Junghietu pointed out.

The energy minister also had a special message for future investors.

“Moldova is open to responsible long-term investments. Potential investors can provide a true growth stimulus for the economy through their capital, experience, knowledge and innovation. The impact of these investments will be felt not only in the energy sector, but across the entire economy, through jobs’ creation, regional development and increased national competitiveness,” concluded Dorin Junghietu.

The representative of the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission, Yolanda Garcia Mezquita, highlighted the substantial progress made by Moldova in recent years.

“Moldova has gone through more crisis situations, but the challenges have been transformed into opportunities. Today, you are no longer dependent on Russia for gas or electricity supply, directly or indirectly. The European Union and Moldova are acting to avoid the use of Russian energy; in this way, we avoid blackmail and do not finance Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Yolanda Garcia Mezquita.

The official stressed that “Moldova is advancing towards full integration into the European energy market, even ahead of the established timelines.”

“We are at a strategic turning point for the energy sector of Moldova. The country has demonstrated that it can attract investments and ensure transparency. By supporting all key goals, Moldova is ensuring its energy security and European integration. Solid foundations are needed for a competitive, sustainable energy sector, that is fully aligned with European standards,” concluded Yolanda Garcia Mezquita.

Director of the Energy Community Secretariat Artur Lorkowski emphasized that  Moldova was the first country in the Energy Community to organize a combined auction for renewables and storage.

“I congratulate you on the work you have done over the last five years. You have achieved incredible things. Moldova has worked very hard to increase its renewable energy capacities. Moldova is the first country in the Energy Community to organize a combined auction for renewables and storage. This is a new level of quality in the Energy Community and deserves all praise. The investors who are with us today have reason to trust that, by the time the new installations become operational, they will already be in an electricity market that shows a level of maturity and stability approaching the European Union’s one,” said Artur Lorkowski.

The director of the Energy Community Secretariat added that Moldova had maintained its leading position for the second consecutive year, with an impressive implementation score of 74 per cent of the Energy Community acquis.

“This means that you, the future investors, are about to invest in a country that is the most advanced among the Energy Community countries, a country that is moving very quickly along the path of integration into the European Union,” specified Artur Lorkowski.

During the event, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Office in Moldova Giuseppe Grimaldi reiterated the importance of this auction.

“This auction represents an important step in the energy transition of Moldova and on its path to European integration, while also being the first to combine renewable energy sources with storage. It reflects solid reforms and a commitment to a modern, resilient system aligned with EU standards. The auction offers investors  confidence through a transparent and innovative framework, that supports the development of new capacities. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Ministry, turning to good account the 2025 auctions and the EBRD’s long-term support for this sector,” said Giuseppe Grimaldi.

In mid-December 2025, Moldova launched the auction for the construction of wind power plants with a total capacity of 170 MW, which will be accompanied by 44 MWh energy storage systems.

This auction marks a first for Moldova through the inclusion of the storage component, with the aim of increasing the flexibility and reliability of the national energy system and improving the electricity generation curve.

Estimates by the Energy Ministry show that the implementation of these auctions will contribute to a 5.8-per cent increase in the share of renewable energy in meeting the national target of 30 per cent energy from renewable sources by 2030. Together with the first 165 MW auction, wind energy will cover approximately 11.4 per cent of this target.

At the same time, experts estimate that the new investments will lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by over 1.4 million tons of CO₂, equivalent to the annual emissions produced by approximately 310,000 cars.

According to statistics data, in the last five years, Moldova has recorded an approximately twelvefold increase in installed renewable energy capacity.

The authorities have set ambitious objectives in this field, with strategic targets for 2030: at least 27 per cent energy from renewable sources in gross final energy consumption and at least 31.2 per cent renewable electricity in gross final electricity consumption.