Does Moldova have a power grid?

Moldova’s electricity grid was predominantly built in the time of the Soviet Union, making it relatively old and inefficient. It is synchronously interconnected with Ukraine’s Integrated Power System (IPS) and, in turn, Russia’s Unified Power System (UPS) in the northern and south-eastern parts of the grid.

What is the electricity system like in Moldova?

The electricity system in Moldova is characterised by its reliance on imports. In 2020, of its 4.4 TWh of electricity demand, 81% was supplied by imports, either from Ukraine (4%) or from the Cuciurgani-Moldavskaya GRES (MGRES) gas-fired power plant (77%) located in the breakaway region of Transnistria.

How important is Moldova's cross-border power system?

Geographically positioned between Romania and Ukraine, the cross-border power system of the Republic of Moldova is critical for regional energy security and regional integration with the European and Moldova-Ukraine energy markets.

Why is Moldova's electricity supply so vulnerable?

Since November 2023, the MGRES gas-fired power plant in Transnistria is making up for the electricity import deficit from Ukraine. This heavy reliance on external sources, particularly from politically sensitive regions, makes the Republic of Moldova’s electricity supply extremely vulnerable.

What is the main source of energy in the Republic of Moldova?

In the reference scenario, natural gas, primarily imported from the Russian Federation, remains the main component of the Republic of Moldova’s generation mix accounting for over 30% and followed by oil.

What is electricity demand in Moldova?

Electricity demand in Moldova is characterised by a winter peak demand. The typical load variation in the winter season, based on 2019 operational data is between a minimum base load of 540 MW and a maximum peak load of 950 MW, while in the summer, it varies from a minimum of 480 MW and a peak load of 800 MW.