Two years on, synchronisation of Ukraine and Moldova’s electricity grids continues to ensure energy stability
Two years ago, Ukraine’s and Moldova’s electricity grids were successfully and urgently synchronised with the Continental European Network. This operation stands as a tangible example of the EU’s immediate support to Ukraine and Moldova in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion.The synchronisation has been key to maintain operation of the Ukrainian and Moldovan networks following Russia’s relentless attacks targeting Ukrainian’s electricity supplies.
Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said: “The synchronisation of the grids two years ago was not only a very important achievement for securing energy supplies for Ukraine and Moldova. It was also a strong political symbol of our support, and that remains the case today.”
European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) President Zbyněk Boldiš stated: “Synchronisation is an act of solidarity from the European Transmission System Operators. It was important for Ukraine and Moldova as it helped them keep their electricity systems stable under extremely difficult circumstances.”
The cooperation aimed at facilitating Moldova’s integration into the EU’s energy market has been reiterated on several occasions during the EU-Moldova High-Level Energy Dialogue meetings, where discussions have been held regarding the EU’s financial support available to Moldova in its efforts to strengthen and diversify its energy system, Moldova’s ongoing reforms, aligning its legislative framework with core EU energy legislation, in line with its Energy Community commitments. The Commission has welcomed Moldova’s progress to date.
In order to increase energy security of the country, the possibility of increasing the electricity import capacity from the Continental European Network and increasing the physical reverse flow capacity of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline was discussed.
The Republic of Moldova has also committed to accelerate the development of electricity interconnections, with an emphasis on the timely construction of the 400 kV Vulcănești-Chișinău and Bălți-Suceava 400 kV overhead power lines and will proceed with the third 400 kV Strășeni interconnection – Romania. Moldova will also explore the possibility of proposing the 400 kV Bălți-Suceava interconnection for the EU list of projects of mutual interest, as well as the third power line.
At the same time, the European Commission reiterated its commitment to support Moldova in further energy sector reforms and the development of its energy infrastructure, including by seeking to allocate up to EUR 10 million to the Residential Energy Efficiency Fund in its first year of functioning and another EUR 3 million for technical assistance of the National Centre for Sustainable Energy (NCSE), which should be the national focal point for the country’s energy efficiency needs, including in the residential sector, and a trusted institution.
At the same time, the European Commission will support Moldova to reach net zero by 2050 by expanding the electrification process, as well as the efficiency of the energy sector by digitising critical infrastructure, optimising processes and capitalising on energy efficiency, promoting the use of green technologies (battery storage, heat pumps, smart meters, increased use of electric vehicles, etc.) and attracting financing to the sector.
Related links
EU energy relations with Ukraine and Moldova
Statement by Commissioner Simson on the synchronisation of Ukrainian and Moldovan Grids