Moldovan government approved the Winter Preparedness Action Plan for the 2024-2025 heating season to ensure energy security
Among the measures envisaged in the plan are: maintenance of natural gas reserves, diversification of supply sources and use of alternative fuels. The document establishes the necessary measures to ensure Moldova's energy security in the context of risks related to the possible interruption of natural gas supplies from Gazprom. In addition to creating and maintaining natural gas reserves, it is planned to increase the commercial capacity on the border between Romania and Moldova. At the same time, reserves of fuel oil, coal and alternative fuels will be created. Electric generators in state institutions will be checked and where such equipment is not available, it will be installed. The use of biomass and renewable energy sources will also be promoted and the implementation of energy efficiency programs will be accelerated. The established governmental commission for coordination of the mentioned measures will monitor their implementation and promptly intervene in case of crisis. It will cooperate with all the relevant actors in the energy sector in order to ensure the continuity of electricity and natural gas supplies on both banks of the Dniester. According to the Ministry of Energy, the Winter Preparedness Action Plan for the 2024-2025 heating season, approved by the Moldovan government, contains a set of measures that will ensure reliable energy resources and public services for the national economy and population. The document envisages the establishment of a governmental commission to coordinate measures to prepare for the 2024-2025 heating season and mitigate the consequences of the energy crisis in case of natural gas and/or electricity supply restrictions. It contains an analysis of potential risks in case of limitation or interruption of natural gas and/or electricity supply (2 scenarios analyzed); assessments of the impact on natural gas consumption in case of implementation of prevention and mitigation measures applied on the basis of the analyzed scenarios. Also there are stipulated the necessary measures to be taken (as a recommendation) by the authorities/companies in preparation for the 2024-2025 heating season. It is envisaged to reduce the natural gas storage liabilities imposed on Energocom by the Government Decision from 102.4 million cubic meters to 50 million cubic meters, as a result of which the total volume of natural gas to be stored will be reduced from 149.5 million cubic meters to 97.1 million cubic meters, of which 47.1 million cubic meters is natural gas to be stored as reserves. In Moldova, the number of end users of natural gas is about 823 thousand (807 thousand household and 16 thousand non-household), and electricity - more than 1 million 322 thousand (1 million 274 thousand household and 48 thousand non-household). Moldova is almost 100% dependent on natural gas imports, and only 20% of the electricity consumed annually is produced locally. Natural gas is the main resource used for electricity and heat generation, which exacerbates seasonal fluctuations in demand at the country level. Thus, any impact on the security of energy supply in Moldova, especially during the cold season, would put pressure on the electricity and natural gas markets and could have a significant impact on the country's economy. // 02.10.2024 - InfoMarket.
