On Thursday, Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu held a meeting with Matteo Patrone, Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), during which they reviewed EBRD-funded energy projects in the Republic of Moldova, which currently exceed €518 million, as well as new planned investments for the modernization of energy infrastructure.

Minister Dorin Junghietu emphasized the importance of EBRD’s support for the transformation of the energy sector:

"The EBRD is one of the most important partners of the Republic of Moldova in modernizing the energy sector. Investments exceeding €518 million contribute directly to the country’s energy security, interconnection with the European market, and the modernization of energy infrastructure—from power grids to heating systems."

The discussions focused on continued cooperation to strengthen the country’s energy security, develop interconnections with the European energy market, modernize district heating systems, and increase energy efficiency.

"The Republic of Moldova remains a strategic partner for the EBRD. The projects we implement together strengthen the resilience of the energy system, accelerate integration into the European energy market, and support the transition to a modern, efficient, and sustainable energy system," said EBRD Vice President Mateo Patrone.

One of the major projects discussed was the Bălți–Suceava (400 kV) electricity interconnection, part of the second phase of the interconnection of the electricity systems between Moldova and Romania. The project, with a total budget of €77 million, includes the construction of a high-voltage overhead line and the modernization of several substations in Moldova.

The Bălți–Suceava line will become the second very-high-voltage interconnection with Romania, after Isaccea–Vulcănești, strengthening the resilience of the energy system and integration into the European market.

In this context, the EBRD also supports the strengthening of corporate governance at Moldova’s electricity transmission operator, Moldelectrica.

Another key pillar of cooperation is the financing mechanism for natural gas supply security, through which the EBRD provided a €300 million revolving loan to Energocom, later supplemented with €100 million in guarantees.

This instrument enabled the purchase of 96% of the gas required for the right bank of Moldova during the 2025–2026 heating season, contributing to the stability of the energy market in a volatile regional context.

Cooperation with the EBRD also includes major projects for the modernization of district heating systems. These include the Optimization of the Chișinău District Heating System (2025–2031), with a total value of €326 million, which provides for the installation of 2,510 individual heating points, connection of 1,665 buildings to modern distribution systems, and pilot building insulation projects.

In Bălți, the second phase of CET-Nord modernization is underway, which includes the installation of individual heating points in 166 residential blocks and the expansion of distribution networks for nearly 300 buildings.

In parallel, the Energy Efficiency in Moldova Project (MEEP) supports the energy rehabilitation of 10 national hospitals, helping reduce energy consumption and improve conditions for patients and medical staff.

The meeting also addressed new priority projects for energy infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of Moldova’s electricity transmission network, estimated at approximately €200 million, which will include replacing outdated transformers, modernizing power lines, and installing voltage stability equipment. Another project discussed involves the construction of the second circuit of the 330 kV Bălți–Dnestrovsk power line, estimated at €40 million, included on the Energy Community’s list of projects of interest.