These goals are contained in Moldova’s draft Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to transition to a secure, sustainable and efficient energy system.
In general, the strategy envisages reducing the share of energy imports in the energy mix from 77% to 40% in 2050 by reducing hydrocarbon consumption and phasing out coal completely by 2030.
It is planned that by 2050 the capacity of Moldova’s own generation will exceed 5 thousand MW, doubling in comparison with the currently available energy sources (taking into account the Moldavskaya GRES in Transnistria). It is also envisaged to increase the capacity of wind power plants by 12 times, up to 2.6 thousand MW.
At the same time, the authors of the strategy do not exclude the construction of a small modular reactor with a capacity of 300 MW on the territory of Moldova by 2050.
The strategy envisages convergence with the European initiatives “Fit for 55” and “REPowerEU”, attraction of private investments and European funds, increasing energy efficiency in the public sector and decarbonization of infrastructure.
Achieving the proposed targets is projected to result in savings of more than €4 billion through reduced natural gas consumption, a 30% reduction in O&M costs, and annual savings estimated at €355 million in 2030 and more than €1 billion in 2050. At the same time, economic modeling shows that the energy transition and implementation of the strategy will contribute to additional annual GDP growth of about 2%.
“We aim for more than 80% of electricity to be produced locally from renewable sources by 2050 (currently less than 20%). The strategy envisages new connections with Romania and the EU, an exchange capacity of 2,000 MW and the availability of gas and electricity reserves,” Energy Minister Dorin Jungietu said at the presentation of the strategy.
According to the minister, the modernization of the thermal energy system of Chisinau and Balti will be a priority. The authorities also propose to support the most vulnerable citizens with compensations, develop infrastructure for electric vehicles, launch electrified trains and install 100,000 smart meters in the country’s households by 2027.
“Energy infrastructure is costly, so it needs to be considered in the long term, taking into account the development of the entire economy and the sectors that consume the most energy, the needs of the population and the various external factors that may affect the system. Such work has been carried out over the last three years with the support of the Energy Community Secretariat,” said Energy Minister Dorin Jungietu.
