The process of obtaining connection permits for renewable energy plant owners will be streamlined by the end of January, according to a decision by the Commission for Exceptional Situations (CSE), IPN reports.

Companies that have at least completed the procedure execution coordination phase will receive connection permits from system operators by February 10, 2025, based on the available network capacity. This decision applies to all entities without a valid connection permit but who had one in the past, including prosumers.

With the new plants set to be commissioned, Moldova will surpass the 600 MW threshold for renewable energy generation capacities, more than double the capacity of the thermal power plants in Chisinau and Balti.

Currently, the transmission system operator, Moldelectrica, is issuing permits for approximately 1,500 MW of new capacity installations, primarily renewable energy sources. However, less than 10% of these permits are commissioned annually. This situation limits opportunities for investors genuinely intending to develop renewable energy plants.

To address this, the Ministry of Energy will propose a requirement to submit financial guarantees when applying for connection permits for power plants with a capacity exceeding 200 kW. These guarantees will only be refunded if the power plant is commissioned in accordance with the connection permit.