Romania, ready to support Moldova to face energy challenges 

Romania stands with the Republic of Moldova in the face of the energy challenges this winter, with the Ministry of Energy acknowledging the decision of the government in Chisinau to declare a state of emergency starting December 16, 2024, due to the risks associated with energy supply.According to a press release from the Ministry of Energy, Romania is prepared to support the Republic of Moldova through this critical period."We are in constant contact with our brothers across the Prut River. Of course, the top priority is the national energy system, but we are confident that we can lend a hand to Chisinau's effort to get through the winter safely, as Romania has done before," said Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja, as quoted in the release.He added that Romania remains a reliable partner for the Republic of Moldova. "In the face of these challenges, the close collaboration between our governments and energy companies is key to ensuring energy security and the comfort of citizens this winter. Thus, with our support and that of the European Union, our brothers across the Prut should not be left to fall back into Russia's hands to get through this winter," Burduja further said.According to the source, Romania reaffirms its commitment to supporting the energy stability of the Republic of Moldova, focusing on electricity supply, natural gas provision, and intensified dialogue between operators and authorities.Thus, the companies Nuclearelectrica and Hidroelectrica are already in contact with Energocom to explore the possibility of supplying additional electricity volumes to the right bank of the Dniester. At the moment, the transfer capacity (NTC) for imports from Romania is 315 MW, and an increase of 80 MW is expected in the next week, reaching 395 MW. The Ministry of Energy supports the identification of a mechanism for the commercial allocation of capacity on the four 110 kV electrical lines, in collaboration with Transelectrica and Moldelectrica.On the other hand, Romania has natural gas reserves in the Depogaz storage facilities and is ready to consider priority extraction options if supplies to the Transnistrian region are affected. Increasing the operational balancing account (OBA) value between VestMoldTransGaz and Transgaz is considered an essential solution to mitigate the impact in the early days of the crisis.The Ministry of Energy facilitates dialogue between Energocom and Romanian companies (Nuclearelectrica, Hidroelectrica, OMV), ensuring efficient cooperation for the energy supply. Furthermore, cooperation between Moldelectrica and Transelectrica will be intensified to implement the necessary technical solutions."In the context that the Cuciurgan MGRES power plant may not produce energy for the right bank of the Dniester, Romania is prepared to support the Republic of Moldova, with the help of European partners, to cover an estimated 600 MW deficit, through coordinated governmental solutions and the use of available resources, and, in the medium term, through new electricity production units and measures to modernise the heating system in Chisinau," the press release concludes.