The Ministry of Energy held a working meeting today with renewable energy producers, suppliers, aggregators, system operators, and the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) to discuss options for optimizing the use of renewable energy during peak consumption hours.

Minister Dorin Junghietu explained to participants the reason for introducing the state of alert in the electricity sector and the ban on energy exports during peak hours. “Part of the energy produced in Moldova was being exported, while emergency contracts were activated and higher-cost energy imported to cover domestic consumption. In extraordinary circumstances, extraordinary solutions are needed, but we are open to exploring all possibilities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers on one hand, and the planned revenues of market operators on the other,” Dorin Junghietu stated.

It should be noted that as of March 4, a state of alert was declared in the electricity and petroleum products sector, introducing measures to prioritize domestic consumption during peak hours to ensure supply for national consumers and protect the stability of the power system.

During the meeting, market participants reviewed solutions to better utilize renewable energy produced in Moldova. One option discussed was trading energy on the OPEM exchange platform. The Ministry of Energy encouraged all market participants to use the OPEM infrastructure, ensuring transactions are conducted with maximum transparency and establishing price signals for the entire market. Other options included allowing exports after covering Energocom’s consumption curve as the central supplier with public service obligations, as well as other market mechanisms.

Additionally, proposals from business associations were examined regarding incentives for installing energy storage systems, which would allow solar energy to be used in the evening hours, along with other suggestions.