Moldova to completely integrate into EU energy market by 2020

Moldova will have completely integrated into the EU internal energy market by 2020. The term was set in Moldova's Energy Strategy until 2030. The document was finalized by the Ministry of Economy and submitted to the Government for approval, reports Info-Prim Neo. According to the Ministry, during the period of transition imposed for the establishment of transmission interconnections (period which is shorter in the natural gas sector, and longer in the electricity one), Moldova will develop a liberalized, functional market, legislatively, institutionally, and logistics-wise. The connection of the natural gas transmission system to the Romanian network will be completely feasible in 2014, with the immediate objective to offer supply alternatives in emergency situations, and with the strategic medium-to-long term goal to benefit from Romania's connections, including the so-called “southern corridors”. In the electricity sector, notes the Ministry of Economy, Moldova has substantial capacities installed – relative to the actual consumption – that have not yet been used. These capacities are to be strengthened, with a substantial extension of capacity, including the use of renewable electric energy sources. Years 2012 through 2020 represent the phase in which the first results in implementing some less expensive measures of energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources are expected. The measures will coexist with the still vulnerable procurement of natural gas and electricity, due to the limited number of alternative providers.