Moldova

Moldova accelerated energy sector reforms under difficult circumstances. The country has embarked on a reform path to enable security of supply and energy diversification. A number of key reforms such as electricity and gas transmission system operator unbundling are to be completed. In the face of the energy crisis and energy affordability challenges, Moldova continued making progress in the field of energy efficiency. The Contracting Party achieved its 2020 renewables target.

Moldova’s National Energy and Climate Plan remained in the drafting phase but the country has managed to transpose a number of key elements of the Governance Regulation. The drafting of the new Renewables and Energy Efficiency Directives is moderately advanced, while work to transpose the 2021 electricity legislation is yet to start.

Net maximum electrical capacity of power plants [MW] / other renewables

17,0

37,4

48,8

48,8

Moldova has invested significant efforts in aligning its legal and regulatory framework with the gas acquis. The adoption of the amendments to the Law on Natural Gas is an important step towards better resilience of the market ahead of what is expected to be a very challenging winter. However, the amendments by themselves, absent proper market opening, will not bring the necessary changes. Moldovan authorities need to ensure the adoption and implementation of secondary legislation, as well as the unbundling and certification of Moldovagaz.

The Moldovan Government has authorized Energocom, a new state-owned gas trader, to procure gas from alternative sources on the spot market which makes the establishment of a well-functioning gas market a precondition for the success of its security of supply and diversification strategy.

The most pressing issues for Moldova are unbundling and  certification of Moldovatransgaz, ensuring long-term security of gas supply and further opening of the gas market.

Given the country’s immense untapped energy saving potential in the residential sector as well as its vulnerability and exposure to the energy crisis, Moldova should proceed with the adoption and implementation of the draft amendments to the Energy Efficiency Law and create the Moldova Residential Energy Efficiency Fund at full speed.

The second priority is to fully align the Law on Energy Performance of Buildings with Directive 2010/31/EU by adopting the needed legislative amendments and implementing the building certification system, including the calculation tool for building performance certificates.

With respect to the country’s plans to update the national assessment of its high-efficiency cogeneration and efficient district heating potential, Moldova should take into account the requirements of Article 15(7) of the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Moreover, the establishment of support for energy efficiency measures for heating and cooling systems in individual households is recommended.

The capacities of the Energy Efficiency Agency should be increased to support energy efficiency reforms, together with the continued training of experts for energy audits, management and certification of buildings.

Moldova should reconsider and shorten the transitional period for the implementation of the new provisions on EIA (including biodiversity assessment) and SEA, in particular with regard to the permitting process for renewables projects and the upcoming NECP.

Moldova should establish a systematic quality control system for the testing and sampling of heavy fuel oil and gas oil. The provisions of the Environmental Liability Directive have to be transposed into national legislation without delay.

Identified Ramsar sites should have a management body to monitor and secure the implementation of the management plans. Measures against prohibited means and methods of killing, capture and other forms of exploitation of protected species should be enforced.