Today, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in energy planning, advanced system modelling, and energy supply security analysis. The agreement provides support for developing a safe and sustainable energy system, aimed at reducing the risks of shortages or energy crises.

The document was signed by Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, and Måns Nilsson, Executive Director of SEI, within the framework of the SEI Green Agenda project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

As part of the cooperation, a new assessment of electricity resource adequacy will be conducted, reflecting recent developments in Moldova’s energy sector. The study will analyse the country’s ability to meet electricity demand until 2035, including under extreme conditions such as winter peak consumption, supply disruptions, or periods of low generation. Based on the results, recommendations will be formulated regarding necessary investments and capacity mechanisms. The results and models will be jointly developed and later made available to Moldovan partners, contributing to compliance with EU Regulation (EU) 2019/943 on the internal electricity market.

Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, stated: “Moldova covers only part of its electricity consumption through domestic generation, especially during peak hours. Therefore, the study will provide practical investment recommendations for the development of a reliable energy system and the integration of more renewable energy sources into the grid. In the context of the current energy sector emergency, the relevance of the study is even greater.”

SEI will provide the Ministry of Energy with its climate neutrality tool, used for long-term energy and climate planning. This tool will be adapted with the involvement of ministry experts and will allow for a detailed assessment of the climate and economic impact of different policy measures, including effects on GDP and employment. The analyses will help identify the most cost-effective options for the Republic of Moldova. SEI will provide introductory and advanced training, ongoing technical support, and regular updates throughout the implementation of the Green Agenda project. The tool will be used for scenario analysis and comparison of different pathways, supporting the development of national strategic documents and investment decision-making.

Måns Nilsson, Executive Director of SEI, stated: “This partnership represents an important step in the green transition and long-term transformation of Moldova’s energy sector. In the current context of rapid geopolitical change, there is a need to develop data-driven strategic planning capacities to ensure resilience, sustainability, and energy security. SEI supports the Republic of Moldova in developing the institutional and analytical framework for energy policy and in the authorities’ efforts to ensure a safer, cleaner, and future-oriented energy system.”

Lauri Tammiste, Director of SEI Tallinn, emphasized: “SEI has been developing and applying energy system models for over three decades, and within this partnership we are providing tested tools: a resource adequacy model that stress-tests the energy system under extreme conditions, and a climate neutrality tool that allows decision-makers to analyse the economic trade-offs of different decarbonisation pathways and choose the most cost-effective policy options. It is important to us that this process is collaborative, that we develop the tools together with ministry experts, train the teams, and ensure that Moldova fully owns the models and results, even after the project ends.”

In addition to the current activities, the Memorandum of Understanding also establishes a framework for long-term cooperation in energy planning, system modelling, and capacity development.

About the SEI Green Agenda project

The “Green Agenda for Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine” project, implemented by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The project supports these countries in promoting green transition policies and in the process of alignment with the European Union. More information can be found at: www.green-agenda.org/en/moldova