According to the Ministry of Energy, on June 11, 2026, the power plants in Rădeni and Neguren, at the request of the transmission system operator Moldelectrica, reduced their electricity production, helping to reduce excess generation and maintain the stability of the national power grid.
According to the Ministry of Energy, between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Moldelectrica used balancing services provided by hybrid power plants—which combine photovoltaic generation and energy storage systems—for the first time.
Two power plants participated in the balancing:
– a 50 MW solar power plant in Rădănești;
– a 40 MW solar power plant in Neguren.
At the command of the transmission system operator, the plants temporarily reduced their electricity production. The maximum activated reduction capacity was 25 MW.
This mechanism made it possible to reduce the electricity surplus in the system and maintain a balance between production and consumption.
Why this is important for Moldova’s power grid
The growth of renewable energy creates new challenges for power system management. Unlike traditional generation sources, solar power plants depend on weather conditions and can rapidly change their output.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the installed capacity of renewable energy facilities in Moldova has already exceeded 1 GW. As the share of green energy continues to grow, storage systems and balancing mechanisms are becoming an essential element of energy supply reliability.
“The activation of balancing services provided by solar power plants with storage systems confirms the practical operation of the balancing market mechanisms developed by the transmission system operator. This demonstrates that storage systems and renewable sources can play an active role not only in the production of clean energy but also in ensuring the stability of the power system,” stated Energy Minister Dorin Jungheteu.
According to the minister, the launch of such mechanisms is a sign of the development of the electricity market and a move toward European practices in power system management.
How electricity balancing works
The power system must constantly maintain a balance between the amount of electricity generated and consumed.
On sunny days, when solar power plants generate high levels of electricity and consumption is relatively low, a surplus of energy may occur. During periods of high demand, conversely, there is a risk of a shortage.
To maintain stability, the transmission system operator can engage balancing market participants—power plants, storage systems, or controllable consumers. They can increase or decrease electricity production at the operator’s command.
The use of storage systems makes renewable generation more controllable and enhances its integration into the power grid.
The first use of hybrid solar power plants as balancing service providers signals a shift in the role of green energy facilities in Moldova.
Whereas renewable sources were previously viewed primarily as an additional source of electricity generation, they are now becoming part of the system for managing the reliability of the power supply.
The Ministry of Energy notes that it will continue to develop electricity market mechanisms and integrate renewable sources and storage systems, taking into account the safety and efficiency requirements of the power system.
