MGRES operated using coal from the strategic reserve of 2013, and now it needs to be replenished with more than 100,000 tons, reports IPN.

This statement was made in an interview with Russian media by the so-called Minister of Foreign Affairs of Transnistria, Vitaly Ignatiev. The official claims that the power plant requires a special type of coal, different from regular, long-flame, and gas coal. According to him, “this issue is currently being addressed” to ensure a certain “reserve buffer.”

In Transnistria, where there are no gas storage facilities, the coal stock has become an important fuel source.

During the gas crisis in January of this year, MGRES consumed approximately 1,000 tons of coal per day, generating 140–150 MWh of electricity. The Dubasari Hydropower Plant provided an additional 25 MWh, but these capacities were insufficient to meet the region's energy needs.

At the beginning of January, Tiraspol authorities stated that coal reserves would last until the end of February (50 days), while Chișinău authorities estimated that they would only last until the end of January (28 days). By the end of January, Tiraspol reported that if the plant had continued to operate on coal, it would have run out by February 16–17 at the latest.

At that time, local representatives also clarified that no fuel deliveries were planned—although Kyiv had offered them—since MGRES operates exclusively on anthracite, and no alternative sources are currently available.