Energy markets continue to be marked by volatility amid persistent geopolitical tensions and supply risks. In this difficult context, the Republic of Moldova is intensifying efforts to diversify energy sources, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen energy security.

These strategic directions, along with the progress achieved over the past year, were presented and analyzed during the meeting of the Sectoral Council for External Assistance in the Energy Field. The meeting brought together representatives of development partners, national energy institutions, the Energy Community Secretariat, the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UNDP, the World Bank, international cooperation agencies, and key companies in the sector, providing a coherent platform for dialogue and strategic coordination.

Discussions focused on developments in the sector, the current priorities of the Ministry of Energy, and the need to maintain close cooperation to boost Moldova’s energy transformation and its gradual integration into the European energy system.

At the opening of the meeting, Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu highlighted the importance of this cooperation platform:

“The Sectoral Council for Energy is an essential platform for dialogue, transparency, and coordinated action. It enables us to align the ministry’s actions with the support of our international partners and to move forward in the right direction. We aim to expand renewable energy production, improve energy efficiency, and support the digital transformation of the sector,” said Dorin Junghietu.

The Minister also emphasized the current regional challenges as well as Moldova’s steady progress:

“Global energy markets remain volatile due to persistent geopolitical tensions and supply risks. Despite this uncertainty, the Republic of Moldova’s efforts are focused on diversifying supply sources and modernizing infrastructure.”

In the presentations, the Ministry of Energy highlighted progress in harmonizing legislation with the EU acquis, noting that Moldova is currently at a moderate to advanced level of preparation for European integration in the energy field. Between 2023 and 2025, the country significantly diversified its routes for gas and electricity supply, reduced its dependence on Russia, and strengthened cooperation with Romania, Ukraine, and other European partners. Moldova adopted legislative amendments in the electricity and natural gas sectors, advanced the development of the renewable energy market, and carried out auctions for large-scale solar and wind projects, including preparing tenders for 170 MW of wind capacity requiring investors to install at least 44 MWh of energy storage capacity starting in 2026.

Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Chair of the Working Group for Chapter 15 “Energy,” presented the technical and institutional progress made in the EU accession process:

“The Republic of Moldova has taken clear and consistent steps in aligning with the EU’s energy policy. Reforms are advancing in electricity, gas, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and this is reflected in concrete results. For the period 2025–2029, out of the 79 planned actions, 35 were already completed in 2025 — meaning 87.5% — and an additional five actions planned for 2026 have also been finalized,” she emphasized.

Cristina Pereteatcu stressed that these results were made possible thanks to close cooperation with development partners:

“Moldova’s progress is the result of strong partnerships with international institutions and our regional allies. We appreciate the financial, technical, and political support provided by all development partners.”

Participants also discussed developments in the renewable energy sector, where total installed capacity reached 930 MW by the end of October 2025 — an increase of 353 MW compared to the previous year. It is estimated that the share of electricity from renewable sources will exceed 25% by the end of the year. Major interconnection projects were also presented, including the 400 kV Strășeni–Gutinaș overhead transmission line, fully financed by the U.S. Government, and gas infrastructure modernization projects such as the expansion of the Iași–Ungheni–Chișinău pipeline and the development of the Chișinău Gas Ring.

Progress was also reviewed in the Smart Metering Pilot Program, which already includes 35,000 installed meters and will reach 100,000 consumers by 2027, as well as the launch of the 2026–2030 Digital Transformation Program for the Energy Sector, approved by the Government and aimed at developing intelligent digital infrastructure, increasing cyber-resilience, and accelerating the transition to green energy.

Another major topic was the strengthening of cybersecurity, in the context of audits conducted at seven state-owned energy enterprises and the development of a concept for a unified Security Operations Center (SOC), an initiative that will contribute to modernizing and protecting critical infrastructure.

In conclusion, Minister Dorin Junghietu reaffirmed the Republic of Moldova’s commitment to the European energy path and its determination to advance toward strengthening energy security, sustainability, and integration into the European energy market.