Electricity in Moldova in 2023/2024

Electricity consumption in Moldova from October 2023 to September 2024 has been predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with gas accounting for a substantial 88.2% of the total generation. Low-carbon energy sources have played a minor role, contributing only about 6%. Hydropower represents the largest share of these clean energy sources at roughly 4%, while wind power makes up a small 1%. Additionally, Moldova has been dependent on net imports for about 6% of its electricity needs, indicating a reliance not just on internal fossil fuel generation but also on imported electricity.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Moldova can look at successful examples from other countries. France and Slovakia have achieved significant shares of their electricity from nuclear energy, at 67% and 60% respectively, showcasing the potential of nuclear power in reducing fossil fuel dependence. Closer to home, Ukraine and Bulgaria also utilize nuclear power effectively, with shares around 55% and 42%, respectively. For wind energy, Denmark is a leading example, generating 61% of its electricity from wind. Uruguay and Ireland, with 36% and 34% wind power shares respectively, also provide successful models that Moldova can emulate. By investing in nuclear and wind energy, Moldova can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Moldova reveals a fluctuating reliance on hydropower with modest advancements in wind energy. In the early 1990s, hydroelectric generation experienced both minor increases and decreases, such as a 0.1 TWh increase in 1991 and a decrease by the same amount in 1992 and 1994. In the mid-2010s, hydropower contributions varied but remained modest, with minor changes around 0 TWh. More recently, in 2022 and 2023, Moldova saw small improvements, with wind power increasing by 0.1 TWh in 2022 and hydropower also contributing marginally with a 0.1 TWh increase in 2023. Nonetheless, a notable decline occurred in 2023/2024 with a 0.1 TWh reduction in both hydro and wind power, highlighting the need for stronger and more consistent investments in clean energy infrastructure.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources