Russian drone strikes trigger 60-day energy emergency in Moldova
Moldova has declared a 60-day state of emergency in its energy sector starting 25 March. The decision follows Russian drone strikes that severed critical import lines, forcing the government to rule out the MGRES power plant as a viable backup.
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu stated that MGRES, located in the breakaway Transnistria region, cannot cover the national deficit. He cited prohibitive production costs and a lack of available gas volumes as primary obstacles.
"Based on current gas prices and production costs, the price would easily exceed €220 per MWh," Junghietu told Pro TV. This figure is nearly double the current market rate, making the option economically unsustainable.
The minister also warned that gas availability is not guaranteed. Most market volumes are currently controlled by traders at high prices, leaving little room for additional supply to the plant.
The emergency measures were triggered by a 23 March Russian attack using Shahed drones on energy infrastructure in southern Ukraine. The strikes destroyed high-voltage conductors on the Vulcănești-Isaccea line, a vital route for Moldova’s electricity imports from Romania and the EU.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
