Moldova boosts renewable energy to 15.31% amid export ban
The share of renewable energy consumption in the Republic of Moldova reached 15.31% on January 2, compared to 12.42% on January 1 and 6.85% on December 31.
All renewable energy produced domestically is now exclusively used for internal needs following the CSE’s decision to ban green energy exports.
Electricity exports banned starting January 1
As of January 1, the export of electricity generated in Moldova is prohibited, per the CSE’s decision. According to the government’s crisis cell, Moldova's electricity demand on January 2 was fully covered by domestic sources and imports from Romania. This change comes after Moldova stopped receiving electricity from the Cuciurgan Power Plant. Renewable energy production has increased more than sixfold.
On January 2, the following energy sources were utilized:
- Electricity imports (Romania): 48.22%
- SA "Termoelectrica": 30.88%
- Renewable energy: 15.31%
- SA "CET-Nord": 4.43%
- State Enterprise "NHE Costești": 1.16%
For January 3, a 10% increase in electricity consumption is projected. SA "Energocom" has already reserved sufficient commercial capacity at the border with Romania to meet this demand.
Saturday consumption expected to drop by 7-10%
Electricity consumption is expected to decrease by 7-10% on Saturday, with the most significant challenges anticipated after the winter holidays. Energocom has secured capacity reservations at the Romanian border to supplement Moldova’s electricity needs, sourcing power partially from the day-ahead market and partially from intraday auctions.
Moldova's commercial capacity at the Romanian border is limited to 315 MW for continuous operation, out of the 650-800 MW needed during winter. To address this, additional auctions are held to reserve unused capacity at Ukraine’s other EU borders.
For January 4, electricity demand will be met by district heating plants in Chișinău and Bălți, local renewable energy facilities, and imports, with additional electricity purchased from the market.
Authorities encourage efficient energy use
Citizens are urged to use energy efficiently, particularly during peak hours from 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 6:00 to 11:00 PM, to ensure the continued stability of the energy system.
On the left bank of the Dniester River, the MGRES (Cuciurgan Power Plant) has transitioned to operating on coal and is supplying the electricity needed for the region. The available coal stocks are sufficient for 30 to 50 days.
Police, medical services, and emergency services are prepared to assist those in need. Central authorities are maintaining regular contact with local mayors to exchange updates on the situation in areas affected by outages.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
