Ukraine helps Moldova cover its electricity deficit. Chisinau to increase imports from EU

Moldova's state-owned company Energocom imported electricity from Ukraine overnight to cover its energy deficit, according to the company's press release.

The electricity was supplied from Ukraine during the night when there is an excess of capacity.

Energocom explained that since the supply of electricity at the Moldova-Romania border is limited to a range of 315 MW out of the required 650-800 MW, part of the electricity is reserved through daily auctions from capacities not used on other Romanian borders with neighboring countries.

"In this way, we managed to reserve the necessary capacities for January 2. We will additionally purchase electricity from Ukraine's Energoatom – during the night when our colleagues have excess energy and can export it," the company stated.

Additionally, Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja announced that Moldova has obtained the right to increase its import quota from the EU from 315 MW to 600 MW, provided this electricity is not used by other importers.

Moldova's peak consumption, excluding Transnistria, reaches 800 MW, of which approximately 177-185 MW is generated by thermal power plants and an additional 32-57 MW comes from renewable energy sources.

On January 1, the New Year's illuminations in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, were turned off due to energy-saving measures implemented by the authorities following the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

Since December 16, Moldova has implemented a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector due to the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory starting January 1, 2025.

At the end of December, Bulgaria pledged support to Moldova following the stoppage of Russian gas supplies to the country.