Moldova requests gas turbines to enhance energy security
The Republic of Moldova plans to request 11 gas turbine power plants via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
This involves one plant with a capacity of 125 megawatts and ten plants with a capacity of 10 megawatts each. A decision to this effect was made during a meeting of the Commission for Exceptional Situations (CES). According to the CES decision, these power plants will be installed at Termoelectrica and CET-Nord.
Earlier, Constantin Borosan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, noted that Norway might donate a gas turbine power plant. "Gas turbine distributed generation is widely used in Ukraine, where demand is significant," Borosan explained. He added that such plants can operate under normal conditions, not just in emergencies, providing an alternative to electricity imports.
Additionally, the CES decision calls for international support to provide generators and air conditioning units for Romanian-language high schools on the left bank of the Dniester River, as well as for placement centers and medical institutions in several districts of the country.
What is the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and how does it work?
Created in 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism promotes cooperation between EU member states and 10 participating countries for disaster prevention, preparedness, and response. When a country requests assistance, the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) rapidly mobilizes resources such as equipment and experts.
The mechanism covers at least 75% of the transportation and/or operational costs of interventions and can be activated both within the EU and globally. It also supports national authorities through training, the exchange of best practices, and the development of common standards for emergency response.
Recent examples of activations under the mechanism
In 2023, the mechanism was activated 66 times, including for the war in Ukraine, wildfires across Europe, and the earthquake in Syria and Turkey. For the war in Ukraine, the mechanism coordinated its largest emergency operation to date, delivering aid such as shelter equipment, generators, and fuel.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
