October 18, 2024, Bucharest - Regional energy cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the integration of national strategies for solar energy and storage were the topics discussed by the Secretary of State, Carolina Novac, at the "Cisolar & Greenbattery 2024" Conference, held in Bucharest, from October 15 to 16, 2024. The event brought together government officials, experts and industry leaders to discuss sustainable energy development in Central and Eastern Europe and energy strategies aimed at supporting regional cohesion.

During the panel discussion, Carolina Novac highlighted the efforts of the Republic of Moldova in strengthening energy security and increasing domestic generation capacity from renewable sources. He highlighted the progress made, namely the cumulative installed capacity of 418 MW of renewable energy at the current stage, as well as the technical and market challenges to be overcome.

Energy interconnection projects with Romania were highlighted as being of major importance for the energy security of our country. Among them is the 400 kV Vulcănești-Chișinău Overhead Power Line, part of the extension of the Isaccea – Vulcănești interconnector, which will ensure a greater energy transport capacity between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Also, the 400 kV Balți – Suceava Overhead Power Line will improve the interconnectivity of the electricity networks between the two countries, and the 400 kV Strașeni – Gutinaș Overhead Power Line will strengthen cross-border energy links.

At the same time, Secretary of State Carolina Novac mentioned the promotion of the project of the second circuit of the 330 kV high-voltage line Balti - Dnestrovsk Hydroelectric Power Plant, which will increase the net transmission capacity by approximately 500 MW and will contribute to the integration of renewable energy sources in the region.

During the conference, the Secretary of State also emphasized the importance of regulations that encourage investments in energy storage technologies, such as batteries, to ensure better integration of solar energy into the electricity grids. The implementation of these innovative solutions will allow the Republic of Moldova to optimize available energy resources, increase energy efficiency at the national level and contribute to reducing dependence on energy imports.

“Through regional cooperation and alignment with European energy policies, the Republic of Moldova is strengthening its position in the transition to renewable energy sources. The development of interconnection projects with Romania and the promotion of energy storage technologies will allow us to ensure energy security and reduce dependence on external sources, as well as increase the production of renewables in the country,” said Carolina Novac at the conference.

At the event, priority directions for cooperation in the energy sector of Central and Eastern European countries were outlined, including the expansion and strengthening of the greenhouse gas emissions trading system (ETS), the creation of regulations to support investments in energy storage solutions, the establishment of standards for smart grids and transport electrification, the implementation of strict norms for the energy efficiency of buildings, as well as the establishment of international partnerships for the transfer of technologies and good practices in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, in accordance with the commitments of the Paris Agreement.