The Ministry of Energy convened a new meeting of the Sector Council for External Assistance in the Energy Field, a platform bringing together national institutions and development partners to coordinate reforms and investments in Moldova’s energy sector, TRIBUNA reports.

The meeting gathered representatives of the Energy Community Secretariat, the European Union Delegation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), as well as other international financial institutions and organizations involved in the development of Moldova’s energy system.

Authorities presented the main progress achieved in implementing the reforms Moldova has committed to as part of its integration into the European energy market. According to the Ministry, over 60% of the 130 planned actions have already been completed, while another 25% are currently being implemented.

A key focus was the harmonization of national legislation with the EU energy acquis. Officials reiterated that Moldova has completed the transposition of the Electricity Market Integration Package and has made significant progress in implementing legislation on energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural gas supply security, and the creation of security stocks of petroleum products.

Participants were also briefed on developments in the renewable energy sector, where installed capacity has exceeded 1,044 MW, and in May, renewable sources covered over 70% of electricity consumption on a single day.

In the field of energy storage, Moldova currently has around 160 MWh of operational battery capacity, with further expansion identified as a strategic priority to strengthen the flexibility and resilience of the national power system.

Progress was also reported on interconnection projects with the European Union. The Vulcănești–Chișinău power line, known as the “Energy Independence Line”, has been completed and is now in the final phase of testing and energizing the substations before full commissioning. The Ministry and its partners also welcomed the signing—on the same day—of the contract for the construction of the Bălți–Suceava 400 kV overhead line, dubbed the “Resilience Line”, along with the grant agreement supporting its implementation.

“Today we signed one of the most important strategic interconnection projects with the European Union — the Bălți–Suceava power line, which we call the Resilience Line. It will strengthen Moldova’s energy security, increase cross‑border exchange capacity, and support our full integration into the European energy market. Without the constant support of the European Union, international financial institutions, and our development partners, projects of this scale would not be possible,” said Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu.

The meeting also highlighted results from energy efficiency programs for households and the public sector, including the Residential Energy Efficiency Fund (FEERM), the Casa Verde program, the EcoVoucher program, and public building renovation projects financed jointly with the EU, EBRD, EIB, and the World Bank.

The Ministry emphasized the need for continued support to strengthen institutional capacity and develop a skilled workforce. In this context, it presented the project to establish and equip the “Electric Networks” laboratory at the Center of Excellence in Energy and Electronics, which will provide practical training for approximately 220 students annually, helping prepare the next generation of energy specialists.

“Transforming Moldova’s energy sector means not only new infrastructure and legislative reforms, but also investing in people. We need well‑trained specialists to build and operate the modern energy system we are developing today. I thank all our development partners for the financial, technical, and institutional support offered to our country. Together we are accelerating strategic investments, strengthening energy security, and bringing Moldova closer to European standards,” Minister Junghietu added.