Moldova is discussing various cooperation initiatives with Romania in the field of nuclear energy, including investments in the Cernavoda nuclear power plant to obtain cheaper electricity.
Energy Minister Victor Parlicov announced this while answering questions at a press conference on Monday. He recalled that earlier the state company Energocom and the Romanian Nuclearelectrica signed a memorandum of agreement, which provides for the study of possible supplies of electricity to Moldova from the Cernavoda nuclear power plant. “We are considering and discussing various cooperation initiatives in nuclear energy. There are many technologies in this area. Moldova does not have the necessary training, there are neither relevant institutions nor legislation in this area, we are not a member of international nuclear energy organizations. But we are gradually moving in this direction. We cooperate with Romania in this regard, but at the global level we support the policy of tripling the production of nuclear and renewable energy, as well as doubling energy efficiency, which fully fits into the paradigm and development strategy of Moldova,” said Victor Parlicov. Earlier it was reported that Energocom signed a memorandum of agreement with the Romanian Nuclearelectrica and Moldova could become a co-investor in the construction of the 3rd and 4th units of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant in Romania and receive cheaper electricity from there. The memorandum was signed to explore options for securing the supply of electricity produced by Nuclearelectrica from new capacities that are to be brought into commercial operation, mainly from Units 3 and 4 of the Cernavoda NPP, as well as supporting the development of human resource capabilities and skills in the field of nuclear energy. Victor Parlicov noted then that the signed document will play an important role in the coming years, in the context that Moldova intends to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. “Achieving our decarbonization goal will require nuclear energy in our energy mix, climate-neutral energy. Moldova does not have the capacity to develop its own nuclear power projects, but it could benefit from the special relationship with Romania and the fact that Romania intends to increase its nuclear power production. It is in this context that we are considering the possibility of Moldova participating as a co-investor in order to provide safe, sustainable energy at competitive prices in the future,” said Victor Parlicov. “We are very pleased to start a new cooperation in the field of energy in Cernavoda, this is a strategic project of which our country is very proud. Of the 400 nuclear reactors in the world, power units 1 and 2 of the Cernavoda NPP are among the top five in the world in terms of efficiency and safety. I have great sympathy for Moldova, and the investment plans for Units 3 and 4 are one of the projects that we can implement together,” said Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja. In turn, Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita believes that the 3rd and 4th power units of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant will become a support for the energy sector of Romania and Moldova, as well as for the decarbonization of the two countries. By launching two more small modular reactors, Nuclearelectrica can contribute clean energy to Romania's energy security and, at the same time, support Moldova and other countries in the region. Energocom purchased electricity produced by Nuclearelectrica between October 2022 and April 2023. Globally, nuclear power supplies 10% of total electricity demand, and in International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries this share is expected to increase by approximately up to 17%.// 04.12.2023 — InfoMarket.
