The Cabinet has approved a memorandum of understanding with the Romanian Government on the implementation of projects necessary for the interconnection of the natural gas and electricity networks in Moldova and Romania. In the natural gas sector, the document provides for specific measures to increase the natural gas transmission capacity and for possibility of extending the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline by building a transmission pipeline around Chisinau by the end of 2031, IPN reports.

In the electricity sector, the memorandum aims to carry out projects of strategic importance, such as the construction of the Suceava - Balti Overhead Power Line with nominal voltage of 400 kV, extension of the Suceava and Balti 400 kV substations, building of an interconnection 400 kV Overhead Power Line between Straseni and the Republic of Moldova and a substation on the territory of Romania.

According to the Ministry of Energy, in addition to these aspects, the approval of the memorandum will allow designating OPCOM SA as the electricity market operator in the Republic of Moldova in order to integrate Moldova’s electricity market into the EU’s internal electricity market by coupling markets.

Exploiting bilateral cooperation opportunities so as to promote the development of the Republic of Moldova and Romania is the main objective of the memorandum of understanding. In connection with the European Union’s Energy and Climate Action Plan, as well as policy documents such as the European Green Deal, REPowerEU and the “Fit for 55” legislative package, the approval of the memorandum will contribute to strengthening the security of energy supplies for both countries. It will also allow diversifying the supply sources and routes at regional level.

The coordination of positions at the meetings of the European Commission - Romania - Republic of Moldova - international financial institutions, in order to prioritize infrastructure objectives and avoid duplication of activities or actions that can delay the implementation of priority projects while respecting the national legislation, is another important aspect of the memorandum.

The memorandum of understanding with the Government of Romania on the implementation of projects necessary for the interconnection of the natural gas and electricity networks in Moldova and Romania was signed in Chisinau on December 11, 2023.