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Andrei GRIȚCO (Ministry of Energy, Republic of Moldova), at FERM 2025: “Romania and the Republic of Moldova must build their energy independence together.”
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Energy and the Transition to a Sustainable Energy System
Speaker:
Intervention topic:
“The Race for Resilience: Ways to Contribute to the Energy Security of the Republic of Moldova”
Panel 5 – Energy within the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025 (FERM), held in Vatra Dornei between July 9–13, brought into focus a crucial theme for the entire region: energy independence and security.
At the center of the discussions was the intervention of Andrei Grițco, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, who presented the country’s progress, challenges, and ambitious plans in the sector. Alongside him, Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR, and Daniel Pencea, General Director for Financial Budgets at the Romanian Ministry of Energy, emphasized the importance of the Romanian-Moldovan partnership and European integration in this sector.
Ion Ștefanovici: “We need to discuss concrete solutions for citizens”
Panel moderator Ion Ștefanovici opened the discussion by asking Andrei Grițco to go beyond the general perspective and explain concretely what solutions and initiatives the Republic of Moldova has to respond to energy challenges.
“It is very important to refer to common projects, but also to the innovative initiatives that the Ministry of Energy has identified. The basic question is: what are we doing for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova?”, stressed the CAPDR leader, highlighting the need for pragmatic and effective solutions in times of crisis.
Andrei Grițco: “The Republic of Moldova turns challenges into opportunities”
At the beginning of his intervention, Andrei Grițco spoke about the profound changes in Moldova’s energy sector.
“The Republic of Moldova is experiencing unprecedented evolution, a transformation that does not come without tremendous effort, without the will of the citizens, without political support and without the help of our partners, especially Romania.”
The official underlined the country’s historical vulnerability, which depended 100% on resources from the Russian Federation, but also the rapid steps taken after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
“We have no oil, natural gas, or coal, and this forces us to accelerate investments in energy efficiency and renewable sources.”
Energy Efficiency and the “Green Home” Program
A key chapter is the energy efficiency of residential buildings, where consumption exceeds twice the European average. The government has launched a dedicated fund, managed by the National Center for Sustainable Energy, which aims to renovate over 8,000 apartments by 2027. The “Green Home” program, launched at the beginning of July 2025, provides grants of up to €10,000 for households, regardless of their vulnerability level.
“It is very important that citizens feel these investments, through lower bills and more efficient homes.”
The Renewable Energy Boom
The data presented show a spectacular increase in the share of renewable energy: from 3% in 2020 to almost 18% in 2024. In certain hours of 2025, energy produced from domestic renewable sources even covered 82% of total consumption.
Installed capacities reached 528 MW, of which 346 MW solar, 159 MW wind, 17 MW hydro, and 7 MW biogas. Moldova aims to reach 1000 MW by 2030, and for 2026 it plans auctions of over 173 MW wind and 22 MW storage.
A novelty is the introduction of the first regulatory sandbox for energy innovations in Central and Eastern Europe, allowing the testing of innovative technological solutions without strict legislative constraints.
“It is a unique opportunity in the region, and Schneider Electric is already the first international partner to join this initiative.”
Interconnection with Romania and Diversification of Gas Sources
A central point of the presentation focused on interconnection projects with Romania. Among them:
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The 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău line, with a cost of €61 million, estimated completion Q4 2025;
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The 400 kV Bălți–Suceava line, €77 million, deadline 2027;
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The Strășeni–Gutinaș line, for which funding sources are being sought.
At the same time, the Republic of Moldova demonstrated the viability of the vertical natural gas transport corridor, bringing gas from Greece to Ukraine in reverse flow, using existing infrastructure.
“We have shown that it is possible to diversify sources and reduce dependence, a huge step for energy security.”
Daniel Pencea: “The Republic of Moldova breaks 100% dependence on Russian gas”
In addition, Daniel Pencea, representative of the Romanian Ministry of Energy, confirmed Chișinău’s historic decision.
“Starting August 2025, the Republic of Moldova breaks 100% of its supply relations through MoldoGas, managed by Gazprom. It is a step of courage and independence.”
The Romanian official reaffirmed Bucharest’s full support for the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union and into the European energy system.
“The efforts and measures of our colleagues from Moldova, both in electricity and gas, are remarkable and must be applauded. Romania supports them 100%.”
Conclusion
The speech of Daniel Pencea clearly highlighted that the energy future of Romania and the Republic of Moldova depends on the ability of the two states to work together, with responsibility and long-term vision. Energy independence is not only a technical or economic goal, but a pillar of national and regional security, a guarantee of social stability and sustainable development.
Building interconnections, using European and governmental funds, as well as attracting private investment are the tools through which this independence can be achieved. At the same time, energy can no longer be seen in isolation: it is part of a complex ecosystem, which includes infrastructure, business environment, technological innovation, and above all, people.
“We must look at energy as a strategic resource of our nations, but also as a bridge between communities and generations.” This was essentially the message of the Ministry of Energy’s representative. His message aligned with the overall theme of the forum, which showed that only through cooperation, transparency, and bold projects can the region’s resilience be strengthened.
Thus, energy independence becomes not just a political or economic objective, but a common mission, requiring solidarity, responsibility, and an integrated strategy between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
