Romania to cover 62% of Moldova’s electricity needs as gas supply dwindles

In January 2025, Moldova transitioned to receiving electricity from Romania after a reduction in power generation at the Moldovan State District Power Plant (SDPP), which had been fueled by Russian gas.

The Moldovan state company Energocom confirmed that Romania will supply up to 62% of Moldova’s electricity needs this month, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Of this amount, more than 178,000 MWh (39%) will be procured from the Romanian exchange OPCOM, while 105,000 MWh (23%) will be purchased through bilateral contracts. Moldova’s own power generation is expected to provide up to 127,000 MWh, covering 28% of its consumption. The remaining 10% is expected to come from renewable energy sources, depending on weather conditions. In light of this, authorities have urged citizens to conserve electricity to avoid potential power outages.

This energy shift follows Gazprom's recent notification to Moldovagaz about limiting gas supplies starting January 1, 2025, due to unresolved debt issues. Both Moldova and the unrecognized region of Transnistria have declared states of emergency and are focusing on conserving energy resources until the issue is resolved.

While Moldova is sourcing gas from alternative suppliers, Transnistria will face shortages as its primary energy source, the Moldavskaya GRES power plant, had been operating on Russian gas. The plant is set to be converted to coal, but it will only provide electricity to the left bank of the Dniester River.

In response to Gazprom's notification, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that Moldova does not recognize Moldovagaz’s debt, which Gazprom has estimated at $709 million.

By Tamilla Hasanova