The strategic objectives pursued by Romania in its energy policies in relation to the Republic of Moldova include the ensuring of Moldova’s energy security. For the purpose, Moldova’s systems should be interconnected with the EU’s through Romania so as to diversify the supply sources and to ensure greater energy efficiency by cutting losses, Romania’s Ambassador in Chisinau Daniel Ioniță stated in an EU Debates Cafe video conference. The event was staged the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) to address key solutions for strengthening energy independence and security.
“The current gas supply crisis is a proof of the importance of diversifying electricity supply sources. It is important that the participation in energy projects offer correct chances to all the companies interested in entering the market of the Republic of Moldova,” stated Daniel Ioniță.
He noted that the Moldovan state should improve the activity of the energy regulators and should ensure professional management at energy companies. It should also closely cooperate with the EU, which can provide expertise and good practices in the field.
The ambassador reiterated the necessity of implementing the Third Energy Package by which the separation of gas supply and production activities will be supported, with benefits as regards completion and ensuing of access to Moldova’s energy market for a higher number of operators.
Daniel Ioniță said the recently finished Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline is a success of Romania’s involvement and a viable solution for diversifying the gas supply sources and the current crisis proved this as the first quantity of gas was supplied now through this pipeline to balance pressure in the system.
As to the interconnection of the electric power systems, the ambassador said the ongoing projects should be completed, especially the Vulcănești-Chisinau overhead transmission line and the back to back station in Vulcănești.
Also, Romania supports Moldova in its efforts to ensure greater energy efficiency. Daniel Ioniță gave the example of Feștelița village where a photovoltaic park and new edifices were recently inaugurated with Romania’s support.
Daniel Ioniță underlined the importance of aligning with the European renewable energy policies. “The European Commission earlier this week adopted a report on the State of the Energy Union 2021, which assesses the progress made by the EU in ensuring transition to a clean energy in almost two years of the launch of the European Green Deal. The report shows that renewables overtook fossil fuels as the number one power source in the EU for the first time in 2020, generating 38% of electricity, compared to 37% for fossil fuels. To date, 9 EU Member States have already phased out coal, 13 others have committed to a phase-out date, and 4 are considering possible timelines. Compared to 2019, EU27 greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 fell by almost 10%, an unprecedented drop in emissions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought overall emission reductions to 31%, compared to 1990,” said the ambassador.
The event was organized within the project “EU debates café: Advancing knowledge and expertise on EU institutions and policies in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by IPRE in cooperation with the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Moldova and with the financial support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
