The Republic of Moldova will access financial aid worth 60 million euros, offered by the European Union to the population of the Transnistrian region, in the event that the Russian company Gazprom interrupts the supply of natural gas to the left bank of the Dniester this winter. This measure is included in the Heating Season Preparation Plan for 2025-2026, proposed for public consultation by the Ministry of Energy.
If in previous years the plan envisaged several scenarios in the event of a disruption in gas supplies by Gazprom, this year the support offered by the European Union for the Transnistrian region will be accessed.
In the context of last winter’s energy crisis, the support package offered by the European Union to the Republic of Moldova also included an additional component of 60 million euros intended for the left bank of the Dniester. At that time, the authorities in Tiraspol refused the aid, preferring a loan offered by the Russian Federation. During his visit to Chisinau in March, the President of the European Council, António Costa, reaffirmed that the European Union’s offer remains valid for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova on the left bank of the Dniester. The European official emphasized that the use of energy as a weapon is unacceptable, as are pressures or constraints exerted on the economy.
The preparation plan for the cold season of 2025-2026 includes 48 measures, which aim, among other things, at the acquisition of natural gas from multiple sources and ensuring their transport through alternative supply routes. At the same time, the authorities will monitor gas deliveries intended for the left bank to guarantee coverage of consumption needs.
By November 1st, the joint-stock company Energocom is expected to replenish the safety natural gas stocks to 15% of the average annual consumption.
The document also provides for the commissioning of the Vulcănești-Chisinau Energy Independence Line by the end of the current year, ensuring the operation, if necessary, of the LEA-110 kV overhead electric line for supplying the Republic of Moldova from the National Electric System of Romania, as well as the launch, by the end of October, of the annual procedure for the acquisition of electric energy through a competitive bidding process.
In the field of energy efficiency, by mid-October, measures for monitoring and optimizing energy resource consumption are to be implemented in public buildings, including maintaining the recommended indoor temperature, depending on the specifics of the activities carried out in each building.
Proposals for adjusting the plan can be submitted until July 8th, to the email address: [email protected].
