In order to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply on the right bank of the Dniester, it is necessary to cover the consumption load, which in winter reaches values ​​of up to 850 MW during peak hours, see the attached graph.

 

Thus, on the right bank of the Dniester, we will mobilize all domestic production sources - the combined heat and power plants of Termoelectrica and CET Nord, which will cover the consumption base of about 200 MW. At the CETs, we still have reserves to increase production capacity.

 

Another 100 MW have already been contracted by Energocom from the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Romania at a capped price. Another 100 MW are to be contracted from the Brazi Thermal Power Plant of OMV Petrom.

 

The Costești-Stânca Hydroelectric Power Plant can cover up to 10 MW in the band. We have already taken the necessary steps towards our friends in Romania so that the power plant can operate continuously for the Moldovan energy system.

 

Renewable energy sources in winter can deliver variable amounts of energy from 50 MW sometimes up to 150 MW at certain hours, depending on weather conditions. Independent producers that generate electricity from renewable sources on the free market can deliver this amount to the grid in winter depending on weather conditions. We have agreed with the company representatives to use the electricity produced primarily to cover the consumption needs of our country, and if there is an excess during off-peak hours, it can be exported.

 

It is worth noting that the installed capacity of all renewable energy sources in the national energy system at the beginning of October was 521 MW. On January 1, the installed capacity will be over 600 MW! Towards spring, production from renewables increases.

 

We expect capacities of up to 200 MW to be purchased from the Romanian electricity exchange OPCOM to cover consumption peaks. Electricity prices on the exchange are higher and very volatile, being dependent on weather conditions, but also on market demand.

 

The guaranteed import capacity (NTC) from ENTSO-E for Moldova is 315 MW. Thanks to the support of the European Union, ENTSO-E and the electricity transmission operators from Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, the Secretariat of the Energy Community, Romania, the mechanism for increasing the NTC capacity has been identified. We will be able to use the unreserved capacity on other borders between ENTSO-E and the common control block Moldova-Ukraine. In addition, we will be able to connect the 110 kV interconnection power lines with Romania, through which they can transport 100+ MW.

 

In order to avoid electricity shortages, to avoid electricity disconnections, to reduce the pressure on the electricity grids and on the price, it is very necessary to reduce electricity consumption, especially during peak hours - in the morning between 7-11 and in the evening between 18-23. We must make an effort to "cut" about 60 MW from the consumption peaks.

 

As for the consumption of the left bank of the Dniester (not included in the attached load curve graph), it varies between 120 MW and 180 MW. The left bank announced that it will cover its own consumption by operating 1 coal-fired power unit at MGRES, at a capacity of about 140 MW, for 50 days, as long as there are coal stocks, and by operating the Dubăsari HPP at a variable capacity.