Moldova hopes for additional support from external partners in order to finalize a number of strategic projects in the energy sector in the country
The statement was made by Prime Minister Dorin Recean during a meeting of the Sectoral Council for External Assistance in the Energy Sector. During the dialog between the national authorities and the external partners, the sides discussed the current situation in the energy sector, the implementation of the foreign assistance projects, as well as the current support needs. Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the significant contribution of the external partners to the projects that boost Moldova's energy independence. He noted that Moldova is working to become energy independent, and the financial and technical assistance received helps modernize the infrastructure, increase energy efficiency and develop a green economy. The participants in the meeting presented the implementation of projects on energy efficiency of residential buildings, the program of the National Center for Sustainable Energy, as well as new initiatives on green energy development. The stage of implementation of projects supported by the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development was also analyzed. In this context, progress was noted in the implementation of strategic projects on the interconnection of power grids, including the construction of high-voltage transmission lines between Moldova and Romania, as well as the modernization of power plants. According to the data of the European Commission's 2024 report, discussed during the meeting, Moldova was commended for its progress in the energy sector, with significant progress achieved in the implementation of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package. Another achievement is the progress in the elaboration of the National Energy Strategy until 2050 and in the process of establishing an electricity market operator, important aspects for the integration of the national energy market into the European system. It was noted that additional support is needed to finalize a number of strategic projects in the sector. These include the establishment of a central unit for the storage of petroleum product stocks, the development of a National Territorial Development Plan including new energy infrastructure projects at the local level (such as electricity, gas and heat networks, wind and solar parks), and the development of the biogas sector in the context of biomass sustainability requirements and the emergence of organized electricity markets. The external partners highlighted the efficient cooperation with the authorities, the importance of implementing the reform agenda and all the approved legislative amendments in order to achieve the strategic goal of European integration. On December 16, a 60-day state of emergency came into force in Moldova. It will make it possible to effectively manage the energy situation and promptly take decisions to mitigate the consequences of a possible suspension of natural gas supplies by Russia. The authorities also urge the population to use electricity rationally, especially during peak hours. // 17.12.2024 - InfoMarket.
