Analytical centre says Interconnection of electricity with Romania ensure better energy security for Moldova

Chisinau, 20 January /MOLDPRES/ – The interconnection on electricity between Moldova and Romania is a viable project and an emergency that would increase the Moldovan energy security and strengthen integration of the energy system of Moldova into the European energy system, the authors of the study published by the Independent Analytical Centre Expert-Grup and Expert – Forum, Romania.

According to experts, given that about 78.7 per cent of the electricity in Moldova is imported, and the sector is vulnerable to corruption, abuse and dependence on suppliers, insecure and under liberalization of unfinished sector, interconnection with Romania will ensure diversification of energy. This will provide greater energy security of the Republic of Moldova, but also great pressure "from outside" to impose fair market institutions and rules, greater transparency and essential regulation for reducing corruption and vulnerabilities in the sector.

After signing the Memorandum between the Governments of Romania and Moldova in 2014 and approval of Moldova's energy strategy till 2030, also the discussions on the assumed interconnections advanced essentially becoming a political priority, which enjoys support from international and European financial institutions.

In practice, the possible interconnections between Romania and Moldova can be made in three directions: Suceava-Balti, Iasi – Ungheni – Straseni and Isaccea (Smardan) – Vulcanesti – Chisinau. Currently, the major emphasis is placed on interconnection of South (high voltage line Isaccea – Vulcanesti – Chisinau with a back – to – back station at Vulcanesti), which is in the priority list for EU, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Romania (Transelectrica). The total project cost is estimated at 194 million euros.

According to the authors, the feasibility of building interconnections in electricity must be regarded I a very pragmatic mode, both for financial constraints for regional projects from EU or Romania, but also because energy sector in Moldova and especially interconnection projects can be regarded by international partners as bundled priority with Ukraine to diversify sources and routes by both countries.

In order that these investments to become a reality, the authors propose to introduce a new mechanism of transparent tenders for the wholesale electricity. Additionally, strengthening the capacity and independence of the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) and legal prohibition of intermediaries with “offshore” shareholders. The experts recommend to negotiate and sign an agreement with Ukraine on the Moldovan energy infrastructure (including power lines), the re-evaluation, with the Community Energy, of the interconnection projects between Romania and Moldova.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor A. Raileanu)