Renewable energy is a priority for the Republic of Moldova as the country has no other significant energy resources. It also represents an opportunity to change the development paradigm of the entire energy sector, said Alexandru Ursu, Director of the Board of Directors of ANRE Moldova, at the conference “Regional approach: Chisinau 2025”, organised by Energynomics.
“Renewable energy is a priority because we have no other energy sources. It is also a priority because recent developments in the energy sector, not only in the Republic of Moldova but also regionally, have demonstrated high security risks. Prices have gone up, and even if this is not beneficial from the perspective of consumers and system users, however, this increase can be an opportunity. We can change the paradigm, we can change directions and we can take decisions which, although complicated, are necessary for the development of the sector. Renewable energy is one of the solutions for the Republic of Moldova, but also a challenge,” he said.
According to Ursu, the authorities need to find a fair and acceptable balance for consumers so that the country has the capacity to integrate as much renewable energy as possible, while maintaining system stability and quality of service. Renewable energy sources have developed rapidly in Moldova in recent years. Thus, at the end of 2024, the country had more than 580 MW of installed capacity, three times more than in 2022 and eight times more than in 2020.
In 2024, the Republic of Moldova achieved a 16% share of its electricity consumption from renewable sources, and the target is to reach 30% by 2030. To reach this target, concrete actions are needed from the system operators, the government and the regulator, which must create favourable market conditions and rules for the integration of renewable energies. One of these measures is to strengthen interconnections with the Romanian electricity system.
“I would say this is really the first priority for the Republic of Moldova. Interconnections are essential. The situation in Ukraine, the neighbouring country, is marked by uncertainty, and this has to be taken into account in all forecasts on available capacities and the future of our power system. The country’s future depends on us, and energy security is the key to attracting investment in all other areas. Secondly, we must send clear signals that storage facilities are welcome. We encourage investors to come forward with such projects. Third, we need facilities to balance the system,” Ursu said.
At the same time, ANRE in Chisinau is currently assessing the possibility of opening the balancing market for companies active in the energy sector.
The conference “Regional Approach Chisinau 2025” was organised by Energynomics with the support of our partners Elektra Renewable Support, Adrem Asset Management, Boglight Gaz Moldova, Siemens Energy, Simtel, SolaX Power, SolarToday.