During the period from June 2025 to May 2026, Moldova's electricity consumption primarily relied on imports, with more than half of its electricity coming from overseas sources, specifically 59.61%. Fossil fuels, particularly gas, accounted for almost a third of the electricity consumed, reaching 30.11%. Low-carbon or clean energy sources contributed a smaller fraction, comprising 10.28% of the total electricity used. Within the low-carbon segment, solar energy was responsible for almost 4%, hydropower contributed more than 3%, and wind energy provided about 2.67%. These numbers reflect a clear dependency on fossil fuels and imports, indicating a critical need for Moldova to expand its domestic low-carbon electricity generation.

Is Electricity Growing in Moldova?

Looking at Moldova's overall electricity consumption trend, it's evident there has been a decline. The most recent data shows electricity consumption at 1606 kWh per person, a significant drop from the 1990 level of 3644 kWh per person. This marks a decrease of 2038 kWh per person, indicating a reduction in consumption. In terms of low-carbon electricity, the latest numbers stand at 165 kWh per person, showing a decline from the previous high of 199 kWh per person in 2023, a difference of 34 kWh per person. These decreases highlight the challenges Moldova faces in increasing its electricity consumption while also shifting towards low-carbon sources.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Moldova could look towards regions like Slovakia and France, where a substantial portion of electricity comes from nuclear energy, reaching more than 65% and almost 67%, respectively. Additionally, wind energy adoption, as seen in Denmark and Iowa, where wind contributes to around 60% and 57% of their electricity respectively, could offer valuable insights. Incorporating solar energy, like in California or Lebanon with its solar contributing nearly 31%, may also benefit Moldova. By increasing investment in nuclear, solar, and wind technologies, Moldova can decrease reliance on fossil fuels and imports, thereby achieving a more sustainable and self-reliant electricity system.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Moldova has been marked by modest developments, primarily in hydropower. Throughout the early 1990s, there were minor fluctuations in hydroelectric output, with slight increases and decreases each year. The early 2010s saw a continuation of this stagnant trend, with hydro generation experiencing small declines. More recently, in the 2020s, notable events include a modest increase in wind power in 2022 followed by a short-lived rise in solar power in 2024. However, these gains have not been sustained, as both wind and hydropower saw slight declines by 2026. This pattern underscores the necessity for Moldova to commit to a robust and consistent policy of expanding its clean electricity capacity, especially by tapping into the potentials of nuclear and solar energy, to achieve a greener and more stable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jun 2025 – May 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.