NAER approved a contract between Moldovatransgaz and Vestmoldtransgaz for the lease of Moldova's gas transmission networks to the latter.
In particular, the National Agency for Energy Regulation reported that at the meeting of the Administrative Council on September 12, NAER approved an agreement to lease to Vestmoldtransgaz (a subsidiary of Transgaz, Romania) natural gas transmission networks that are still managed by Moldovatransgaz (a subsidiary Moldovagaz). As the energy regulator notes, thus, from September 19, Vestmoldtransgaz will receive not only the opportunity to manage gas transmission networks throughout Moldova, but also the status of an operator with subsequent certification at the European level, in accordance with the requirements of the Third Energy Package. In this context, NAER emphasizes the fact that during the verification of the terms of the contract it was found that it complies with the requirements of Directive 2009/73/EC regarding the general rules of the internal market for natural gas, as well as with the provisions of the Natural Gas Law. In the near future, in accordance with current legislation, Vestmoldtransgaz will submit to NAER an application for certification under the independent system operator model, a process that, after verification by NAER, must be approved by the Secretariat of the Energy Community. As previously reported by the InfoMarket agency, the Vestmoldtransgaz company was previously certified by NAER as an operator of the gas transmission system, owning the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline. Vestmoldtransgaz shareholders are the Romanian company Transgaz (75%) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) (25%). As the Ministry of Energy clarified, the signing on September 4 by Vestmoldtransgaz of a lease agreement for the gas transmission network of Moldova with its owner - Moldovatransgaz - became possible thanks to changes made to the legislation last year, which allow NAER to officially begin the procedure for dividing companies in the gas sector, as well as some decisions of the Commission on emergency situations adopted in June and September of this year. Thus, the process of unbundling, that is, the separation of gas transportation and supply activities, will soon be completed in Moldova. The separation of gas production, transportation, distribution and supply companies to avoid monopolies and ensure access to infrastructure for all stakeholders is part of the III Energy Package, Moldova's commitment to the Energy Community. It is envisaged that the Vestmoldtransgaz company will lease and operate the gas transmission network of Moldova for a period of 5 years. It will also take over the current maintenance contracts awarded to Moldovatransgaz. // 13.09.2023 — InfoMarket
