A memorandum of understanding to implement projects to interconnect the natural gas and electricity networks of Moldova and Romania was signed in Chisinau by the energy ministers of the two countries on Monday. Under the memorandum, the capacity to transport natural gas will be increased and the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline will be extended by building a gas transmission pipeline - Chisinau Belt – by 2031, IPN reports.
Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov said the cooperation with Romania in the energy sector and not only has been considerably stepped up the past few years. The signed memorandum marks a common commitment to strengthen cooperation and to ensure the sustainable development of the energy sector. The memorandum, through all its dimensions, will contribute to strengthening Moldova’s energy security and to integrating the country into the EU’s energy market.
For his part, Romanian Minister of Energy Sebastian-Ioan Burduja said that Romania nearly achieved energy independence. This year Romania exported electrical energy as investment was made in new production capacities, especially of green energy. The country is getting ready with gas production capacities and for the civil nuclear program. Independence was also achieved in the natural gas sector and consumption is satisfied with Romanian gas only. This enables to support Moldova too, whenever such requests are made.
The memorandum also envisions the building of a 400 kV Suceava – Balti Overhead Power Line and the extension of the current 400 kV Suceava and the 400 kV Balti stations. The existing 110kV Huși-Cioara electricity interconnection line will be developed. The natural gas storage capacities in Romania will be developed by increasing the capacities of the Sărmășel gas storage facility and/or by building a new gas storage facility in Fălticeni.
The memorandum will ensure conditions for designating OPCOM SA the electricity market operator of Moldova, in accordance with the Moldovan legislation, so as to integrate the national electricity market into the EU’s internal electricity market by coupling the markets.
