The Ministry of Energy has launched the first tenders for large renewable energy capacities in the Republic of Moldova. Investors are invited to implement wind and solar renewable energy projects. The announcement and the tender documents will most probably be published next week, IPN reports, with reference to Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov.

The official noted that the tender documentation was to be presented today, but some changes occurred at the last minute and the event was postponed until next week. This tender contest is the first in Moldova and the authorities want a robust and competitive participation.

Yolanda Garcia Mezquita, Head of Unit at DG ENER at the European Commission, said that the Republic of Moldova continues to strengthen its energy market through a reform that aligns the country’s legislation with the EU legislation. The speed and determination with which the Republic of Moldova moves from the transposition of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED 2) to the national legislation and implements this law deserve be appreciated. Renewable energy makes us more independent and able to cope with price shocks to energy resources.

Jānis Mažeiks, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, stressed that the transition to cleaner energy resources is key to achieving the EU’s climate goals by 2030. With the help of renewable energy, Moldova can ensure its energy independence, reducing vulnerability and blackmail from foreign actors, while ensuring stable energy security. The EU welcomes the initiative to launch tender contests to attract investments to the renewable energy sector.

Dirk Buschle, Deputy Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, believes that the tender contest will change the energy sector of Moldova for the better. It is necessary to work with the companies that make these investments, to have a robust system of guarantees for the future and to be part of the EU’s energy markets.

For large renewable capacities, a total capacity of 165 MW was allocated, divided by technologies – 105 MW for wind installations and 60 MW for photovoltaics. The submission of applications, technical and financial offers is expected starting with September 2024. More details will be provided in the announcement of the initiation of the tender procedure that will be published next week.

Currently, renewable power plants with a capacity of 306.58 MW are connected to the National Electricity System, according to the data of the Transmission System Operator Moldelectrica, excluding net metering and net billing. According to Moldelectrica, in the first six months of 2024, the company issued 28 connection permits, totaling a power of 317.3 MW. At the end of 2023, connection permits were valid for generation facilities with a total capacity of 1705.03 MW, including 735 MW for photovoltaic power plants, 20.99 MW for cogeneration power plants, 939.5 MW for wind power plants and 10 MW for electricity storage facilities.