The construction of strong interconnections with Romania and the robust quality of the electricity transmission network allow us to achieve ambitious policies regarding renewable energy, but also the electrification of transport and the heating sector, said the Minister of Energy, Victor Parlicov, in the EU-Moldova Business on Monday Forum, part of Moldova Business Week.

"The electrification of the two fields - transport and heating - will allow more flexible consumption, which can be increased when there is a lot of energy from the sun and wind, and reduced when there is a shortage of energy and, respectively, prices are higher. This type of consumption is relatively easy to manage and will allow us to balance the network through energy consumption," the minister said.

The building sector accounts for more than half of the energy consumption in the country, followed by transport, with about a third. In addition, approximately 64% of homes are still heated with firewood and energy-inefficient stoves. Thus, the increase in energy efficiency and the transition from fossil fuels to electricity will allow the decarbonization of the energy sector and the achievement of the goals of zero net CO2 emissions by 2050. To stimulate changes in consumer behavior, differentiated hourly energy tariffs are to be introduced electricity, and the prices will be set at the energy exchange, launched by the Romanian OPCOM exchange.

The new interconnections with Romania will also allow the export of renewable electricity, but also the import of the energy needed for the periods of the day with high consumption, in the morning and in the evening. We remind you that in 2025 it is planned to put into operation the 400 kV electric line Vulcănești - Chisinau, and by 2029 two other lines - Bălți - Suceava and Strășeni - Gutinaș.

"When we finish building the new high voltage lines with Romania, we will become the most open energy system on the continent, because the interconnections will have a capacity 5-6 times higher than the peak consumption in the country. This means that we can play the role of an energy bridge for the reconstruction of Ukraine, but also as a producer and exporter of renewable energy", said Victor Parlicov.

During the event, the representative of the General Directorate for Energy of the European Commission (DG Energy), Yolanda GARCIA-MEZQUITA, congratulated the Republic of Moldova on the launch of accession negotiations to the European Union and appreciated the determination and speed with which the country was moving in alignment with European norms in the energy sector. She emphasized that the coupling of the energy markets will bring multiple benefits to the Republic of Moldova, energy security, the possibility of producing more renewable energy, flexibility and liquidity of the system and lower prices, respectively lower bills for domestic consumers.

EU-Moldova Business Forum, part of Moldova Business Week, was organized by the European Business Association.