Russia scales up regional security risks by halting gas supplies to Transnistrian region, Moldova stands firm against Kremlin blackmail
Chișinău, 3 January 2025 — Moldova has secured its electricity supply in the first days of January 2025 after Russia halted gas deliveries to the breakaway Transnistrian region, which had previously been the primary source of Moldova's electricity. On 1 and 2 January, energy needs were met equally by domestic production and imports from Romania. Half of the country's energy consumption was covered by domestic sources, including thermal power stations and renewable energy, while the other half came from imports.
“This balanced energy mix underscores Moldova’s ongoing efforts to strengthen energy security and diversify its sources of supply,” said Prime Minister Dorin Recean. He added: “Despite the Kremlin gas blackmail, we will ensure that Moldova can meet its electricity needs while protecting citizens from instability.”
The Prime Minister also warned of an impending humanitarian crisis for the 350,000 residents of the Transnistrian region, deliberately induced by Russia to destabilize all of Moldova. “By jeopardising the future of the protectorate it has backed for three decades in an effort to destabilise Moldova, Russia is revealing the inevitable outcome for all its allies – betrayal and isolation,” said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
“We treat this as a security crisis aimed at enabling the return of pro-Russian forces to power in Moldova and weaponising our territory against Ukraine, with whom we share a 1,200 km border.”
He added that the government remains committed to supporting all citizens with straightforward solutions for those in the Transnistrian region. Alternative energy solutions, such as biomass systems, generators, humanitarian aid, and essential medical supplies, are ready for delivery should the breakaway leadership accept the support.
In the past three years, Moldova has made significant strides in enhancing energy security and diversifying its energy sources.
Renewable energy expansion: Installed renewable energy capacity has grown from 120 MW in 2021 to over 528 MW in 2024, including 159 MW from wind, 346 MW from solar, 16 MW from hydroelectric, and 7 MW from biogas energy. Households and businesses increasingly benefit from net metering, and the modern billing system added 23 MW to national capacity. Moldova’s renewable energy law guarantees fixed tariffs for 15 years and is expected to attract €180–190 million through green energy auctions.
Gas market integration: Moldova has reduced its dependence on Gazprom by diversifying its gas sources, including the operational Chișinău–Iași pipeline (since 2021) and the connection to the Vertical Gas Corridor in 2023, which enables LNG imports. Emergency gas reserves have been established, and the market liberalisation process is ongoing. By 2025, large consumers will be able to sign transparent and competitive contracts, with 13 active suppliers already in the market.
Electricity supply security: Moldova's electricity grid has been synchronised with the European network (ENTSO-E) since 16 March 2022, enhancing stability and access to alternative energy sources. Key infrastructure projects include the Vulcănești–Chișinău (400 kV) line, 47% completed by the end of 2024, and the Suceava–Bălți and Strășeni–Gutinaș interconnections, which have secured financing from the EU and US. Moldova has also fully implemented Energy Package 3 in the gas sector, separating the gas transmission operator from Gazprom’s control.