Electricity in Moldova in 2023/2024

Over the past year, from November 2023 to October 2024, Moldova's electricity consumption has been overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels. Fossil energy, primarily from gas, makes up around 87% of Moldova's electricity generation. This leaves a mere slice of just over 13% for low-carbon energy sources. Specifically, 6% of the electricity is generated from low-carbon sources such as hydropower and wind, with hydropower contributing about 4% and wind making up just over 1% of the electricity generation. Additionally, roughly 7% of electricity is obtained through net imports, which may include both fossil and low-carbon sources depending on the origin. This reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change and air pollution but also highlights the urgent need for Moldova to diversify its electricity generation mix by increasing its low-carbon footprint.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Moldova can draw inspiration from several countries, particularly those in its region. Slovakia and Ukraine, for example, have significantly integrated nuclear power into their mix, with 60% and 55% of their electricity respectively coming from nuclear energy. By investing in nuclear technology, Moldova can achieve a more sustainable and reliable electricity supply, similar to these nations, while drastically reducing carbon emissions. Alternatively, Moldova could look to Denmark, which generates more than half of its electricity from wind. Countries like Greece and Spain have also successfully added significant solar capacities, contributing 22% and 18% of their electricity, respectively. By expanding its infrastructure for wind and solar power, Moldova can take substantial steps towards minimizing its dependency on fossil fuels and moving towards a cleaner energy future.

History

Historically, Moldova's strides toward low-carbon electricity have seen minor fluctuations, primarily in hydropower and a recent addition of wind generation. The early 1990s witnessed slight variations in hydropower generation, with small increments in 1991 and 1993 contrasted by minor declines in the following years. The period from the late 2000s through the mid-2010s showed similarly modest shifts within hydropower, including small declines mixed with periods of stability or minor growth. In 2022, wind energy made a positive entry into Moldova's energy landscape, contributing a modest 0.1 TWh to the grid. Regrettably, this was offset by decreases in both hydro and wind by 0.1 TWh each in the following year. These changes underscore the persistence of obstacles in steady low-carbon electricity development in the country, and emphasize the need for strategic planning and investment to ensure a transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy framework for Moldova.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources