Moldova has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector due to concerns that Russia could weaponize gas supplies, threatening the country’s energy security during the winter months.
Emergency Declared to Counter Energy Threats
On Friday, Moldova’s parliament approved the state of emergency, which will come into effect on December 16 and last for 60 days. This decision follows fears that Gazprom, the Russian energy giant, may cut off natural gas supplies to the Kuciurgan power plant. The plant, located in the separatist pro-Russian region of Transnistria, is Moldova’s largest electricity provider.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean described the situation as “exceptional,” warning that Moscow could manipulate energy flows to create instability. “We face the risk of being left without heat and electricity in the middle of winter,” he said.
Kuciurgan Plant: A Critical Dependency
The Kuciurgan power plant relies on Russian gas to generate electricity for much of Moldova. Although the plant was privatized by Transnistrian officials in 2004 and sold to a Russian state-owned company, Moldova does not recognize the sale.
Past disruptions highlight the vulnerability. In late 2022, Russian missile strikes on neighboring Ukraine caused major power outages in Moldova, which is interconnected to the Kuciurgan plant.
“This must be the last winter where we are threatened with energy insecurity,” Recean declared. He accused Russia of provoking crises to cause “panic and chaos” and vowed to protect citizens from being left “in the cold and dark.”
Transnistria Declares Its Own State of Emergency
The self-declared republic of Transnistria, which broke away from Moldova after a brief war in 1992, has also declared a state of emergency. The region fears that it, too, could lose gas supplies from Russia. Transnistria remains internationally unrecognized and continues to rely on Moscow for support.
Efforts to Diversify Energy Sources
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova has worked to reduce its dependence on Russian gas by diversifying energy sources. Neighboring Romania has pledged to support Moldova if needed. Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja stated that Romania has the resources to help, calling it “a duty in the face of aggression from the east.”
Moldova’s Path Toward the EU
Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu secured a second term in October, along with a referendum favoring Moldova’s path toward EU membership. The elections were clouded by allegations of Russian interference aimed at preventing the country’s westward alignment, which Russia denies.
Despite these challenges, Moldova remains determined to secure its energy independence and protect its citizens from potential crises this winter.