Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu carried out a working visit to Washington, D.C., on January 15–16, where he held a series of high-level meetings with U.S. officials and representatives of institutional and business stakeholders in the energy sector. The discussions focused on strengthening the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and attracting American investments into the sector.

During the meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, Minister Dorin Junghietu presented the current situation in Moldova’s electricity sector and the way the country has managed to overcome the energy crises of recent years with the support of American partners. The import of approximately 40 million cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States was also highlighted, including deliveries through the first tanker docked at the FSRU Alexandroupolis terminal in Greece after it became operational. The discussions also addressed opportunities for U.S. investments aimed at strengthening Moldova’s energy security.

The Minister of Energy also met with representatives of the U.S. Department of State responsible for relations with Eurasia and the Republic of Moldova, including Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Smith. The discussions reviewed developments during the summer period and the current situation in the cold season, as well as the status of electricity interconnections with neighboring countries. Dorin Junghietu thanked the U.S. side for revisiting the investment partnership regarding the construction of the Strășeni–Gutinaș high-voltage power line. The current stage of the project was presented, with the consulting company involved currently working on the pre-feasibility study and subsequently the feasibility study, in coordination with the Romanian side, being responsible for coordination on both banks of the Prut River.

Another meeting took place at the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), where investment opportunities in Moldova’s energy sector were discussed. Minister Junghietu emphasized three strategic priorities for the country: modernization of critical energy infrastructure, including cybersecurity, sector digitalization, and network upgrades; investments in new electricity generation capacities, including a power plant project with a capacity of approximately 250 MW; and increasing energy efficiency. It was noted that relatively mature projects — those with feasibility studies or aimed at acquiring functional assets — may be submitted to the DFC for financing.

The Minister also met with representatives of the Nuclear Energy Institute, with discussions focused on the prospects of nuclear energy in the region and the opportunity to develop small modular reactor (SMR) projects. Institute representatives expressed their willingness to contribute expertise to strengthening Moldova’s technical capacities in this field.

The visit agenda also included a meeting with Sara Thannhauser, Associate Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the U.S. Treasury. Discussions addressed the situation of the company Lukoil and the steps taken by Moldova to strengthen the security of aviation fuel supply in the context of U.S. sanctions applied to the company.

During the meeting with representatives of the U.S. Gas and Oil Association, the general situation of Moldova’s energy sector and potential investment opportunities were discussed, particularly in electricity generation capacities, as well as the possibility of concluding long-term contracts for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States.

In addition, Minister Dorin Junghietu met with representatives of the American company Caterpillar, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electricity generation equipment. The Minister presented Moldova’s objectives regarding the development of generation capacities, including in the context of the first balancing services auction recently organized by Moldelectrica, emphasizing the strategic importance of electricity storage systems and flexible generation capacities.

Minister Junghietu also participated in a roundtable organized by the Atlantic Council, where he presented the current situation in Moldova and the impact of the attacks in November and December on critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine. The Minister explained how the authorities managed these challenges and how the national electricity system is currently being administered. The opportunity to expand and develop the Vertical Gas Corridor was also addressed during the discussions.

The Ministry of Energy expresses its gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Washington, D.C., for logistical support and for organizing the meetings during the official visit.