Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja has said that Romania continues to support the Republic of Moldova in the context of the energy crisis caused by the interruption of Russian gas supplies, stressing Romania's moral duty to help the neighboring country overcome this difficult period and achieve energy independence, IPN reports.
"Our brothers across the Prut are going through a hard time these days because of Russian energy blackmail. As Romanians, we have a moral duty to help our brothers to overcome this crisis and become energy independent on both sides of the Prut, and as soon as possible", Sebastian Burduja said.
The minister noted that Romania is already supplying electricity to Moldova to cover part of the shortfall of about 600 MW resulting from the interruption of Russian gas supplies to Transnistria. Nuclearelectrica is constantly exporting 100 MW and the Brazi gas-fired power plant has an additional contract for 30 MW. The difference is covered by the market, as all these exports are on commercial terms.
In addition, Romania proposed to the European Commission an exemption from the purchase of CO2 certificates for energy produced in Romania and delivered to Moldova, a measure that would have significantly reduced costs. Although the proposal was rejected, Burduja stressed that Romania will continue to look for solutions to support the Republic of Moldova with energy at reasonable prices.
The minister added that Romania had operationalized three 110 kV lines, which interconnect with the power grid of the Republic of Moldova, and by the end of the year the export capacity will increase to 200 MW. Also, the construction of the 400 kV Suceava-Balti high voltage line, which will provide a direct and secure link between the two energy systems, remains a priority, with a completion date of 2027.
On the gas sector, Burduja stressed that the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline supplies almost the entire quantity needed for Moldova's consumption, with daily exports of about 5 million cubic meters. "Practically, Romania has managed to supply the entire amount of gas needed by our brothers, with daily exports in commercial terms", he said.
The minister concluded by emphasizing that energy independence is true sovereignty and that Romania, together with the Republic of Moldova, will continue to work to ensure energy security in the region and reduce dependence on external resources.
