Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu participated in the 31st edition of Baku Energy Week, one of the most important energy events in the region, organized with the support of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and bringing together representatives of the energy sector and industry from 45 countries, TRIBUNA reports.

During the plenary ministerial session dedicated to international cooperation for building a resilient and diversified energy future, the minister presented the Republic of Moldova’s experience in strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on a single source of supply.

“In a very short period, Moldova has moved from almost complete dependence on a single external supplier to a much more diversified, resilient energy system oriented toward the European market. For us, diversification is no longer just an economic priority but a matter of national security,” Dorin Junghietu stated.

He highlighted the measures implemented by Moldova to enhance energy resilience, including the synchronization of the national electricity system with the continental European network ENTSO‑E, the diversification of natural gas supply routes, and the accelerated development of the renewable energy sector.

Given the rapid growth of installed renewable capacity — a twelvefold increase in just five years, now exceeding 1 GW — the minister emphasized that investments in energy infrastructure and regional interconnection projects remain a priority.

“The experience of recent years has shown us that renewable energy is not only about the green transition but also about long‑term security and stability. Every megawatt produced locally contributes to the country’s energy resilience,” he underlined.

Junghietu also stressed the importance of regional cooperation and energy market integration. “Diversification, interconnectivity and regional integration are no longer optional. They are the foundation of energy security in an increasingly uncertain world,” he said.

On the sidelines of the event, the Minister of Energy held a bilateral meeting with Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal. Discussions focused on deepening energy cooperation between the two countries, integrating Moldova’s and Ukraine’s electricity markets into the European energy market, and strengthening regional energy security.

The parties examined opportunities to expand cooperation within the Vertical Gas Corridor project, as well as prospects for using Ukraine’s underground gas storage facilities as an additional element of regional energy security. Officials reiterated that Moldova and Ukraine share common objectives regarding European integration and the development of modern, resilient energy markets.

Junghietu also met with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, and senior representatives of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR). Discussions focused on strengthening economic and energy cooperation between Moldova and Azerbaijan, including opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy and strategic regional projects.

The parties addressed prospects for cooperation with SOCAR on supplying Moldova with petroleum products and natural gas under competitive conditions, as well as possibilities for attracting Azerbaijani investment into Moldova’s energy sector.

The meeting with the Azerbaijani delegation also covered regional green energy projects, including the Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania–Hungary Green Energy Corridor, designed to transport electricity generated from renewable sources to the European market.

Moldova reiterated its interest in attracting investment in projects developed according to European standards, including in energy efficiency, modernization of district heating systems, and the implementation of innovative energy technologies.