At a time of profound transformation for the Moldovan energy system, Jose Luis Pascual Gomez, Country Manager of Premier Energy Moldova, draws attention to the risk of institutionalising a state monopoly-type structure, which could become counterproductive in the future, in the context of Moldova’s European path.
“The state should not create a monster. Maybe today such a company is necessary, but as we move towards a competitive market, this approach needs to be re-evaluated. It is not compatible with the direction of the European Union,” said Jose Luis Pascual Gomez, speaking at the conference “Regional approach: Chisinau 2025”, organised by Energynomics.
His statement indirectly targets the growing role of Energocom – a state-owned company which, in the context of the 2021-2022 energy crisis, has rapidly taken on the role of central supplier and intervention agent in the electricity and gas markets. Energocom has become a strategic player in securing Moldova’s supply, operating imports on several routes – including through the Trans Balkan interconnector, the Greece-Bulgaria gas pipeline and through stocks placed in Ukraine. The company has also opened a subsidiary in Bucharest to facilitate access to the regional market.
Gomez emphasised that interventions of this kind, even if they were justified in the context of the crisis, should be critically assessed when they tend to become permanent. “Investors, big or small, should not be seen as enemies. It is essential to leave room for private initiative. A free market will bring innovation, efficiency and better solutions for consumers,” said Premier Energy Moldova representative.
In parallel, Moldova has accelerated the development of renewable capacity – with more than 650 MW already installed and a target of 1050 MW by 2030 – putting increasing pressure on the electricity grid and highlighting the need for balancing solutions. Gomez noted that “we cannot go forward with intermittent power alone. We need balancing capacity, and today, batteries are the only viable option.”
However, despite these pressing needs, investors face obstacles in accessing the grid, especially for storage projects. The lack of a clear framework and administrative delays reduce the attractiveness of these investments. The Moldovan authorities recognise the problem and are preparing measures: implementing a system of financial guarantees to avoid speculative projects blocking the grid and organising tenders to combine renewables with storage.
In this context, Energocom’s role needs to be recalibrated: from crisis actor to market catalyst, without stifling private initiative. “We need to think long term. Modern infrastructure backed by private investment and effective regulation is what will guarantee the country’s energy security. This is our message to the authorities: let the market work, create the conditions for competition and investors will come,” Pascual Gomez said.
At a time when Moldova is redefining its energy architecture and preparing to open up its balancing market, his message is a call for clarity, openness and trust in market economy mechanisms. Only in this way will the Republic of Moldova be able to ensure not only its energy sovereignty but also its long-term prosperity.
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.