Holders of grid connection permits will be required to provide financial guarantees for the construction of power plants with a capacity exceeding 200 kW. The new amendments to the Electricity Law were approved today in the first reading by Parliament.

As a result, the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Energy and approved by lawmakers include the obligation to submit financial guarantees at the time of applying for a grid connection permit. The value of the guarantee for power plants exceeding 200 kW will be determined by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE).

"By introducing financial guarantees, we aim to hold grid connection permit holders accountable and support only serious investors with the necessary resources. This measure will unlock grid capacity, allowing for the rapid implementation of green energy projects for the benefit of the entire national economy. Furthermore, through the transition period until June 30, 2025, we ensure that the relinquishment of permits obtained for speculative purposes is handled fairly and equitably, with an exemption from penalties for those who voluntarily renounce such permits," stated Carolina Novac, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, in Parliament.

The financial guarantees will only be reimbursed if the power plant is commissioned in accordance with the permit. If the plant is not put into operation within the established deadlines, the financial guarantee will be used by the system operator for the modernization of the electricity grids.

Additionally, holders of grid connection permits for power plants exceeding 200 kW, obtained before the law comes into force, as well as those whose permit validity was extended until the law's entry into force, have the right to voluntarily renounce their permit by June 30, 2025, by notifying the system operator in writing.

The project also stipulates that holders of permits representing energy communities or those with the status of an eligible producer—such as those with permits for the construction of a photovoltaic park with a capacity of 1 MW or a wind farm of up to 4 MW with a fixed tariff for 15 years—are exempt from the financial guarantee requirement.

Permit holders who fail to utilize their permits within the given timeframe will be subject to a penalty fee ranging from 50% to 70% of the financial guarantee amount.

Currently, the transmission system operator, Moldelectrica, has issued permits totaling approximately 1,500 MW for the installation of new capacities, primarily renewable energy sources. However, less than 10% of these grid connection permits are put into operation annually.

At present, Premier Energy Distribution has issued grid connection permits for a total capacity of 329 MW, while the distribution system operator S.A. "Rețelele Electrice de Distribuție Nord" has issued permits for 96.4 MW.