Moldovan government approved Regulation, Action Plan for anti-crisis measures in energy sector

Chisinau, Dec. 11 /MOLDPRES/- Government is strengthening the authorities' capacity to respond to risks in the energy sector by developing a clear legal framework for crisis prevention and management. In this regard, the Cabinet of Ministers today approved the regulation on emergency situations in the energy sector and the related action plan, the government's communication department has reported.

The action plan includes 31 crisis scenarios and measures to prevent or mitigate the impact of possible emergency situations in the energy sector. The document details anticipation and intervention measures for each scenario, depending on the triggering factor, such as: fuel shortage, electricity market failure, malicious attack, extreme weather and others.

In one of the possible scenarios, where there is a general fuel supply shortage, producers will ensure that available generation capacity is maximized and all generation capacity is mobilized. The transmission system operator will also request help from operators in neighboring countries, in accordance with bilateral agreements. It is also envisaged to protect priority consumers, such as medical institutions, kindergartens and schools, so that social services of major importance are not cut off.

Another scenario describes the overloading of electricity grids due to the use of electrical devices for heating. In this case, the authorities will implement measures to redistribute loads on the grid, reinforce low-voltage grids and implement demand management programs.

In the case of damage to the electricity transmission infrastructure, measures will be implemented for the rapid restoration of transmission lines and redistribution of power flows within interconnected networks, including by using the capacities available through the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity ENTSO-E.

In addition, the Plan emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and integration into the European energy market. Coordinated measures with neighbouring countries will contribute to crisis prevention and effective crisis management.

Crisis management will be ensured by the Ministry of Energy, the National Agency for Energy Regulation, electricity transmission and distribution operators and the Commission for Emergency Situations.

Although Moldova has made significant progress in the energy sector, such as the construction of Iasi-Chisinau gas pipeline, the synchronization of the power system with ENTSO-E and the initiation of interconnection projects with Romania, it continues to be vulnerable in terms of power supply. The domestic production capacity covers 23% of the needs of the right bank, and 70% of electricity consumption depends on production from MGRES power plant. Also, the technical import capacity guaranteed by ENTSO-E is currently limited to 315 MW - insufficient to meet total demand.