Electricity in Moldova in 2024
As of 2024, Moldova's electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, with such sources comprising more than two-thirds of the total mix. Gas, in particular, is the primary fossil fuel, making up almost two-thirds of the overall electricity generation. Imported electricity accounts for almost one-fifth of the supply, emphasizing the nation's reliance on external sources. When it comes to low-carbon electricity, Moldova shows room for improvement, as just under one-tenth of the electricity originates from clean sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar energy. Hydropower leads amongst the low-carbon options but barely surpasses more than a third of low-carbon electricity generation, with wind and solar trailing closely behind.
Is Electricity Growing in Moldova?
The trajectory of electricity consumption in Moldova has seen a decline, contrasting with the global trend towards increasing electrification. The per capita electricity consumption in 2024 reflects a significant decrease from its 1990 high, showing an overall drop of about 41%. Low-carbon electricity generation too has seen a minor decline since 2023, waning slightly in a year where low-carbon growth is critical to both economic and environmental progress. This stagnation is concerning as it underscores the need for increased investments in clean energy sources to spur growth and manage the profound challenges of climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
Moldova can take favorable lessons from countries like Slovakia and Ukraine, which have effectively integrated nuclear power into their energy mix, showcasing how substantial nuclear energy contributions can propel clean electricity metrics. Moldova could also draw inspiration from Denmark’s success in leveraging wind energy, as well as Greece’s progress in solar power, both of which represent robust pathways to enhancing low-carbon electricity generation. Implementing policies encouraging the development of nuclear facilities and the installation of solar panels can significantly boost Moldova's clean energy output, setting the stage for improved sustainability and energy security. These strategies would be instrumental not only in addressing the climate crisis but also in ensuring the nation’s self-sufficiency in electricity.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Moldova has experienced a series of fluctuations. During the early 1990s, hydropower saw negligible growth with yearly changes hovering around zero. It wasn't until 2010 that a positive change was observed, albeit followed by a decline and intermittent stability. The period since 2017 shows hardly any substantial growth, with minor advancements in wind and solar only noted in 2022. These incremental steps, while promising, underscore the necessity for a more aggressive approach towards expanding green energy capabilities. In 2024, despite adding solar capacity, hydropower recorded a decrease, indicating that Moldova must approach its clean energy development with renewed vigor and commitment to ensure a sustainable expansion in its electricity supply.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.