The priorities of the Ministry of Energy for 2026 were presented by Minister Dorin Junghietu during a meeting with members of the European Business Association (EBA Moldova). The discussions focused on the liberalization of energy markets, energy security, infrastructure modernization, and continued alignment with European Union policies.

The Minister emphasized that one of the key directions for 2026 remains the continuation of energy market liberalization. In this context, there are already 14 license holders for natural gas supply, who will be able to serve large consumers that are required to enter the free market starting April 1 of the current year. The 189 companies that consume more than 100,000 cubic meters of gas per year will be able to sign negotiated contracts or purchase gas on the BRM East Energy trading platform. On the electricity market, the OPEM trading platform was recently launched, enabling intraday and day-ahead markets.

It was also reiterated that, starting January 1, 2027, large electricity consumers will be required to enter the free market; until then, it is important for economic actors to make the most efficient use of the existing opportunities.

Special emphasis was placed on the modernization of energy infrastructure—both in terms of generation and the balancing and integration of renewable energy sources. The Minister noted that the Republic of Moldova is approaching an installed capacity of 1,000 MW from renewable sources, and during the summer period situations of energy surplus and, consequently, negative prices for renewable energy may occur. In this regard, the development of energy storage systems (BESS) is essential, and the Ministry welcomes the emergence of the first projects in this field.

Dorin Junghietu recalled the ongoing tender for the installation of wind farms with a capacity of 170 MW, along with the obligation to install energy storage systems totaling 44 MWh. In this context, an investor conference will be held on January 29 to provide the necessary information for well-informed investment decisions.

The official highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to power generation, which should not be limited exclusively to renewable sources but should also include flexibility solutions. In this regard, balancing services tenders organized by Moldelectrica and private investments in gas-fired power plants are seen as necessary instruments for system stability.

Another major topic concerned the European integration agenda, including the implementation of requirements related to petroleum product reserves. The Ministry of Energy will maintain the pace of reforms in 2026 as well, after the Republic of Moldova ranked among the leaders of the Energy Community for two consecutive years in this area, Dorin Junghietu emphasized.

A separate section of the discussions was dedicated to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The Ministry of Energy will participate in an interinstitutional working group together with the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, and other partners to analyze the impact of CBAM on the economy. It was agreed to organize information workshops for economic agents so that they clearly understand the implications of the mechanism and how it will be applied. At the same time, authorities are holding discussions at the European level regarding the recalculation of the emission factor, especially for energy from renewable sources, in the context of the 2026 transition year.

Other topics discussed included the development plans of Termoelectrica, Moldelectrica, and Energocom, as well as the prospects for nuclear energy in the Republic of Moldova. The Minister informed participants about the plan for Termoelectrica and CET Nord to enter the free electricity market. At the same time, the Ministry will support business sector proposals for deregulation aligned with European practices, provided that they serve the interests of citizens and the development of the national economy.