Maintaining natural gas stocks, diversifying supply sources and using alternative fuels are some of the measures provided for in the Preparation Plan for the 2024 - 2025 heating season, developed by the Ministry of Energy and approved today during the Executive meeting. The document also describes two scenarios, intended to ensure the energy security of the Republic of Moldova in the context of the risks related to the interruption of natural gas supply from "Gazprom" to the Transnistrian region.

Among the main actions included in the Plan are the voluntary reduction of natural gas consumption by 15%, according to the recommendations of the European Union, and the promotion of the use of alternative fuels.

Also, stocks of natural gas, fuel oil, coal and alternative fuel stocks will be secured by the interruptible consumers and sugar mills. At the same time, the use of biomass and other renewable energy sources in agriculture and other sectors is promoted, in order to reduce the dependence on traditional fuels. Also, the electric generators in public institutions will be checked and those institutions that do not have adequate equipment will be equipped.

The Ministry of Energy included in the Plan two scenarios for the behavior of the Russian concern "Gazprom" after the expiration of the contract for the transit of natural gas on the territory of Ukraine, on January 1, 2025.

One of the scenarios assumes that the Russian side will look for alternative routes for gas supply to the Transnistrian region, considering the contractual obligations of "Gazprom" towards "Moldovagaz". In this situation, the authorities of the Republic of Moldova will not obstruct the delivery.

In the scenario where "Gazprom" stops natural gas supplies, the authorities will gradually apply a series of measures to mitigate the impact of this decision. Even in the case of a total stoppage of gas supply, the Ministry of Energy estimates that there will be no shortage of gas for consumers on the right bank of the Dniester and that it will not be necessary to disconnect interruptible consumers. If necessary, SA "Energocom" will be able to ensure the supply of natural gas for the protected and vulnerable categories of consumers in the Transnistrian region through SRL "Tiraspoltransgaz", in exchange for a payment corresponding to the purchase costs. Although the current gas transport infrastructure allows the coverage of consumption needs for the entire country, there is a risk that on the left bank consumers will not be able to afford the purchase of gas at market prices, an aspect indicated in the elaborated plan.

In order to ensure the supply of electricity in the scenario where gas supplies are interrupted, the Plan foresees the increase of energy imports from Romania and other countries of the European Union. The electrical interconnections at the border points with Romania with the voltage of 110 kV will be activated and the electricity transmission capacities will be strengthened.

The government commission created by the Ministry of Energy will constantly monitor the implementation of the measures and will intervene quickly in case of crisis. It will collaborate with all relevant actors in the energy sector to ensure the continuity of the supply of energy and natural gas on both banks of the Dniester.

"These measures are essential to ensure that the Republic of Moldova is prepared for the cold season and that we have a clear plan to manage potential energy crises. We will continue to monitor the situation and take additional measures where necessary," said Victor Parlicov during the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.