Moldova’s Energy Ministry on 2025-2026 Winter Preparedness Action Plan - EXCLUSIVE
The Republic of Moldova has significantly reinforced its energy security framework in preparation for the 2025–2026 winter season, ensuring robust measures in both the natural gas and electricity sectors amid regional instability and ongoing geopolitical challenges.
This was said to CE Report by the Ministry of Energy of Moldova in an exclusive interview.
According to the Ministry, the 2025–2026 Winter Preparedness Action Plan, approved in August 2025, outlines 47 key measures designed to safeguard supply and price stability under various gas and electricity scenarios. These include preventive and mitigation strategies to address potential disruptions resulting from regional energy challenges, including attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and complex supply arrangements for the Transnistrian region.
“The Republic of Moldova enters this winter with a significantly higher level of preparedness than in previous years, thanks to diversified supply sources, increased gas reserves, and close coordination with regional partners,” the Ministry noted.
Natural Gas Sector Preparedness
In the natural gas domain, the Ministry highlighted significant improvements in procurement mechanisms. All gas purchases for 2025–2026 were conducted via the European market using transparent, competitive mechanisms, including forward contracts, which provide stability and mitigate exposure to market volatility. In addition, strategic reserves now cover approximately 20% of annual consumption, marking the highest level achieved to date.
Integration into regional gas networks, including the Trans-Balkan Corridor and Vertical Gas Corridor, has strengthened Moldova’s supply options, while contingency measures such as EU financial support and operational plans for vulnerable consumers provide additional safeguards.
Electricity Sector Developments
Moldova’s electricity sector has also seen transformative progress. The country successfully launched the Day-Ahead Market in December 2025 and the Intraday Market shortly thereafter, creating a transparent platform for electricity trading and increasing market liquidity. Meanwhile, the development of the balancing market and system services for 2025 has enabled more flexible management of variable renewable generation.
“Romania has become a key electricity supplier, covering 50–70% of national consumption, while domestic infrastructure projects and interconnection upgrades are underway to further enhance supply reliability,” the Ministry reported.
Planned interconnection lines with Romania, including the Vulcănești–Chișinău and Bălți–Suceava lines, will significantly increase cross-border capacity in the coming years.
Renewable Energy Integration
Renewable energy has experienced rapid growth, with installed capacity increasing from 120 MW in 2021 to 932.81 MW by October 2025, raising the share of renewables in gross electricity consumption to 25% for the year. The first national renewable auction in 2024–2025 facilitated long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for wind and solar projects, attracting €190 million in private investment.
Notably, on 23 August 2025, Moldova’s domestic renewable sources supplied the entire electricity demand at midday for the first time, demonstrating both operational flexibility and the country’s commitment to clean energy. Looking forward, a 2025–2026 competitive auction will focus on wind power plants paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS) to enhance grid stability and renewable balancing.
Looking Ahead
Through comprehensive regulatory frameworks, diversified supply sources, strategic reserves, and renewable energy expansion, the Republic of Moldova has created a resilient energy sector capable of navigating complex regional dynamics. The Ministry emphasized ongoing cooperation with European partners and continued infrastructure upgrades to further strengthen Moldova’s energy security and market development.
“This winter, Moldova is better prepared than ever to ensure reliable energy supply, support economic stability, and accelerate the transition to sustainable, market-based electricity generation,” the Ministry concluded.
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
