The Republic of Moldova can buy electricity from Romania from next spring, IPN reports, quoting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar.

“In 2014, the current contracts for the supply of electric power to Moldova expire. We opened negotiations in order to sign a contract with our Romanian colleagues because the electricity produced now in Romania is by 15-20% cheaper than the one we buy. Experts are carrying out assessments to see if we are technically prepared to purchase electricity from Romania,” said Valeriu Lazar.

He also said that during the visit paid to Brussels together with Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, they submitted the plan of energy priorities to the European Commission.

“Our European colleagues asked us to set two priorities. In the electricity area, we want to develop the high voltage power line Vulcanesti – Isaccea. It was built, but we are to set up a convertor that will enable to take electric power for Moldova from Romania’s energy system. Within three months, we will submit the formula for financing this project or idea to the European partners,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

In the gas area, the European partners agreed with the arguments presented by the Moldovan officials as to the continuation of the Ungheni – Iasi gas pipeline project, including the necessity of making investments in Moldova and in Romania and building a branch pipe towards Straseni, up to Chisinau.

Currently, Moldova imports electric power from the Cuchurgan Power Plant and from Ukraine at the price of 6.9 cents per kV/h of power.