The memorandum for the interconnection of the natural gas and electricity networks with Romania envisions also cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, said Minister of Energy Victor Parlivoc. According to him, the Republic of Moldova could purchase nuclear energy from Romania within the projects implemented by the neighboring state, to extend the general nuclear capacities in Cernavodă and the small modular reactors, IPN reports.

“At the moment, we are making estimates regarding nuclear energy. It is premature to project. It goes to a memorandum of understanding only, but this show the readiness to work on these dimensions. Moldova’s Energocomul until recently purchased a part of the electricity from Nuclearelectrica. So, we already have such experience. The portfolio is very varied and covers cooperation in the interconnection of lower voltage power lines,” Victor Parlicov stated in the Romanian program “Power of News”.

Asked about the US$300 million provided by the U.S. for the energy sector, Victor Parlicov said that a part of the equipment that was to be delivered within this project already arrived – the first part of generators. ‘That support of US$300 million has, grosso modo, two components. The first component is budget support provided to the Republic of Moldova to help it offset the shock of prices for consumers. The second component refers to energy viability. We consider the most difficult period already passed and we should help the vulnerable consumers, but the largest part of this assistance is intended for strategic investment that can help us solve problems in the medium and short runs,” stated the minister.

According to him, a part of the money will go on interconnections on the Iasi-Ungheni-Straseni pipeline or the Iasi-Ungheni-Chsinau pipeline, while another part will be used to build electricity stations to balance the system and to build internal electricity transmission infrastructure, including in Ștefan Vodă, where there is great unrealized Aeolian potential. All the measures that will be taken are primarily aimed at ensuring the country’s energy security.