Moldova Increases Electricity Imports from Romania Amid Power Plant Limitations

Moldova’s electricity imports from Romania have surged in December 2024, as the Moldovan thermoelectric power plant (MGRES) operates with only two power blocks. Constantin Borosan, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, explained the situation during a TV appearance, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES

Borosan noted that operating MGRES with three blocks typically produces excess electricity at night, which was previously absorbed by the MMZ metallurgical plant to balance the system. However, this is no longer possible due to damage caused by Russian bombing of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in late November. The 330 kV Podolsk power station in Ukraine, which supplied power to the metallurgical plant, was among the damaged facilities.

“The Russian Federation’s attacks heavily impacted Moldova’s adjacent infrastructure, including power stations and lines. With the Podolsk station out of operation, the metallurgical plant can no longer manage MGRES’s excess energy at night,” Borosan explained. “Now, two MGRES blocks operate at full capacity, covering about a third of Moldova’s energy needs, while the rest is increasingly imported from Romania via the OPCOM exchange.”

Borosan highlighted that electricity prices on the exchange are highest during peak hours—mornings from 7:00 to 11:00 and evenings from 18:00 to 22:00. He urged citizens to conserve energy and adopt efficient usage practices.