The energy transition is no longer just a wish of environmentalists, but a process accelerated by geopolitical shocks and the pressure for institutional modernization, especially in the Republic of Moldova. In a discussion moderated by Natalia Chicu on TVR Moldova, Gabriel Avăcăriței, Chief Editor of Energynomics, outlined in clear terms the transformations underway in an effort to clarify concepts and the real challenges.

Energy transition currently has at least three major meanings: decarbonization by reducing the use of fossil fuels, independence from unfriendly suppliers – an obvious necessity after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and modernization of networks through digitalization and prosumer integration. In Moldova, all these dimensions have accelerated after 2022, in parallel with the country’s European path, which requires not only legislative alignment but also the creation of a competitive and functioning market.

One of the great gains of recent years is the profound change in the institutional framework. Moldova has managed, at a remarkable pace, to create a Ministry of Energy, to develop public tenders for renewable capacity – both photovoltaic and wind – and to attract investor interest. The result? A more than two times oversubscription of bids in recent auctions, a sign that there is a real appetite for investment in local energy infrastructure.

These auctions are not just a tool to attract capital, but a way of guaranteeing investors’ returns through support schemes, creating predictability and a stable framework for development. Moldova will thus add at least 165 MW of renewables to the around 65 MW already in place – an important step towards diversifying the energy mix.

But investment in generation is not enough. “Any functioning market is about competition between players, transparency and fair and predictable long-term prices,” Avăcăriței emphasized. Moldova still has two critical steps to take: strengthening legislation and developing a real energy market. Only then will consumers be able to make realistic calculations: is it worth investing in their own production or not? Which is more efficient now: insulating their home or installing solar panels?

Prosumers – a promising but not universal solution

An important part of the discussion focused on the role of prosumers – those who produce the energy they consume. In Moldova and Romania, legislation has shifted from net metering to net billing, a change sometimes perceived as a disadvantage. However, Gabriel Avăcăriței clarified: the term prosumer is only correct if you produce mainly for your own consumption. As soon as you start injecting large or constant quantities into the grid, your behavior becomes that of a small commercial producer, with different regulations and costs.

This nuance is crucial in the discussion about state support and cost equity. The electricity grid is not a free battery – using it involves transportation costs and imbalances. For this reason, there is a justifiable difference between the price at which you can ‘sell’ surplus and the price at which you buy from the grid.

What is the recommendation for households? Size PV systems very close to actual or anticipated consumption. Oversizing leads to higher investments, grid imbalances and pressure from the regulator to limit production. When you add a battery system, the calculation becomes more complex, but such equipment is particularly useful where access to energy is essential and outages are frequent.

Battery technology – a condition for competitiveness

In the power industry, investors in large electricity generation capacity have already learned their lesson. Almost all new projects include battery systems to balance the generation profile. Batteries reduce imbalance costs and allow predictable deliveries to the grid – an obvious economic advantage. At national level, large-scale storage solutions, including pumped-storage hydro plants, are being discussed in Romania. Moldova, for its part, is preparing to launch tenders that include clear storage requirements, preparing for a more flexible and secure grid.

Opportunities and limitations in biogas and biomass

Another important chapter of the transition is biogas. Several projects are already up and running in Romania – from animal farms to dairy factories turning residues into gas. The high cost of conventional gas makes this option increasingly attractive. But development is held back by the lack of secure supply chains for the raw material – biomass. Without stable logistics, investors hesitate – a problem that exists in Moldova too. However, EU regulations will increase the share of biogas in the national mix and encourage investment in this segment.

Energy efficiency is the mandatory future

While today the focus is on building new capacity, in the future the transition will focus on energy efficiency. “In 10-15 years, we will have built everything we need and the focus will shift to optimizing consumption,” anticipates Gabriel Avăcăriței. Europe’s Renovation Wave is a huge opportunity – more than 40% of energy consumption goes into heating and cooling buildings. Investments in insulation, energy management and renovation will generate real savings, jobs and reduce pressure on energy production.

The Republic of Moldova is in the midst of an accelerated transformation process. It is not easy – it requires institutional reform, attracting investment, educating the public and decision-makers, and regional cooperation. Interconnections with other countries will play a vital role in balancing the system.

For industry professionals, these changes are a clear invitation: to innovate, to invest smart, to build partnerships. The energy of the future is not only renewable, but flexible, digitalized and integrated. Moldova is no exception – but one of the places where these transformations are already underway.