Moldovan PM, U.S. official discuss current situation

Chisinau, May 30 /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Dorin Recean and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Braila power station, one of the locations where large-scale systems for storing energy in batteries will be installed. The $85 million investment was announced yesterday by the US official and is part of the $300 million US support package for Moldova's energy sector, announced in 2023, the government's communication department has reported.

The official appreciated the constant support offered by the American side, noting that a similar amount was allocated last year to help the government in Chisinau to compensate the bills of citizens for the consumption of energy resources. According to the Prime Minister, US aid is not limited to the energy sector, but extends to areas such as economic growth, justice reform, fight against corruption, agri-food sector and increasing the resilience of state institutions.

"The Republic of Moldova and the United States are cooperating to deliver what matters most to citizens - peace and well-being. We will continue to implement essential reforms to ensure a prosperous and secure future for our citizens and to integrate our country into the European Union, and US support remains essential in achieving these ambitious goals," said Recean.

Blinken reaffirmed the strong support of the United States to help Moldova develop a more resilient, efficient and sustainable energy sector. "Continued U.S. assistance will support the authorities in Chisinau in continuing reform efforts. We will help the Republic of Moldova build a democratic, prosperous and sovereign future," he said.

Thanks to the US investment, the necessary equipment will be procured and installed to strengthen our country's national energy grid and facilitate increased electricity trade with Romania, Ukraine and the European market. The new large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and additional equipment will improve the reliability of Moldova's electricity grids and help effectively manage energy reserves and fluctuations in demand, integrate renewable energy.

The US has provided our country with over $2.5 billion in support since 1992. Since the outbreak of Russia's war against Ukraine, the United States has provided $774 million in financial assistance to Moldova, of which $300 million is aimed at overcoming the energy crisis and strengthening energy security.

Of these funds, $80 million have been used to offset natural gas and electricity bills for low-income citizens, and $135 million are earmarked to increase domestic electricity generation and the construction of a 400kV high-voltage line through Strășeni (Moldova) and Gutinaș (Romania) power stations, which will connect Moldova to Romania's electricity grid, thus facilitating integration into the European energy network.