The Ministry of Energy convened a working meeting with the participation of electricity distribution system operators (DSOs), the transmission system operator, and the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), with the aim of assessing the current state of power grids and identifying the necessary measures for their modernization in the context of the rapid growth of renewable energy generation.

During the discussions, three priority topics were addressed: the status of grid connection permits, the development of electricity networks in the context of integrating renewable energy generation capacities and battery energy storage systems (BESS), and the need to update the report on compliance with protection zones of electrical networks.

Participants emphasized that the Republic of Moldova is at an advanced stage of energy transition, and that existing infrastructure must be rapidly adapted to meet new realities. In this context, the Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu, reiterated that available financial resources—including those from investment programs under the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova—must be primarily directed toward the modernization and expansion of electricity networks. This is essential to ensure the safe and efficient integration of renewable energy sources and to avoid critical situations such as the partial blackout on January 31 of this year.

Moldelectrica reported that the level of wear of transmission networks is very high, between 70% and 90%, and that the operational lifespan of much of the equipment has been exceeded. Maintaining these assets in working condition is a major challenge, making the need for substantial investments in transmission infrastructure critical.

Distribution system operators presented the status of renewable capacity connections. RED Nord reported that connection permits have been issued for 286 MW of renewable energy capacity, including approximately 13 MW of storage projects. The first storage systems in the northern part of the country are expected to become operational in April in the localities of Lunga and Glodeni.

Additional storage systems with a total capacity of 60 MW are expected to be commissioned in the near future in the service area of Premier Energy Distribution.

At the same time, it was noted that in certain areas, network capacity has already been reached both at the level of lines and transformers. Network congestion has been reported, with substations loaded at 100–110%, as well as increased technical losses. Additionally, the Vulcănești–Isaccea interconnection line is already experiencing congestion caused by technological flows.

In this context, the need to develop a joint strategy for the expansion of transmission networks in the southern region was highlighted, in cooperation with Ukraine’s transmission system operator, Ukrenergo, including alignment with the European TYNDP (Ten-Year Network Development Plan).

Representatives of Premier Energy Distribution highlighted the need to revise the regulatory framework to stimulate investments in distribution networks, including adjustments to the tariff methodology and the introduction of accelerated depreciation mechanisms. In Chișinău, the networks are already overloaded, requiring the creation of a new injection point from the 330 kV network, as well as updates to network topology and the implementation of sectionalizing solutions to increase system resilience.

The Ministry of Energy emphasized that the development of electricity networks is a key condition for continuing investments in renewable energy and ensuring the country’s energy security. In this regard, dialogue with ANRE and system operators will be intensified to accelerate investments and remove existing bottlenecks in the grid connection process.

At the same time, Minister Dorin Junghietu requested the preparation of a detailed report on constructions that violate the protection rules of electrical networks.