The Republic of Moldova is entering a new phase in its energy transition, banking on renewables and storage technologies to ensure its independence, stability and competitiveness. The Chisinau authorities are announcing a public tender this autumn for hybrid projects – wind power and photovoltaics with storage batteries. The contracts will guarantee investors a fixed return over 10 or 15 years through a Contracts for Difference scheme, a tool that has delivered results in mature EU markets.
“Renewables are not just about clean, green energy. First and foremost, it means energy security”, said Carolina Novac, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, during the programme “Spațiul Public”, broadcast on Radio Moldova on 18 April 2025.
According to Agora.md, it is estimated that 246 MW of storage batteries will be needed to balance the grid, writes Agora.md. “Of this capacity, 72 MW will be for automatic frequency restoration reserve (aFRR) and 174 MW for manual reserve (mFRR).” The new auction is yet another proof of the path towards the maturation of the Moldovan renewable energy market, especially in the solar segment, where installed capacity has increased eight-fold in the last four years, exceeding 650 MW. And the authorities expect the 800 MW threshold to be reached this summer – mainly thanks to projects on the open market. Moldova is thus rapidly catching up with European trends and creating solid opportunities for investors interested in energy infrastructure, storage technology, automation and ancillary equipment.
Batteries are the key to flexibility
The transformation of the Moldovan market is driven by a technical reality: the surplus energy produced during sunny or windy hours cannot be consumed on-site or exported efficiently in the absence of stable interconnections and a functioning hourly market. “Today, at midday, we sometimes have too much energy. What to do with it? If we had batteries, we could store it and use it during peak hours,” explained Constantin Borosan, secretary of state at the energy ministry.
Storage battery technology thus becomes the key to the flexibility and stability of the Moldovan energy system. Hybrid projects of over 50 MW are already being considered, such as the one being developed in the village of Rădeni by a consortium of four local companies. This park will also integrate storage, signalling a maturing of the local business environment and increased access to capital.
Regulations and incentives for investors
The authorities are promising a well-calibrated tender, with the launch of the announcement in October-November 2025 and finalisation of the selection by March 2026. It will follow the mechanism already successfully tested in the first round, which ended in March 2025. Selected projects will benefit from long-term contracts that guarantee predictable returns – a strong argument for financiers and developers with an appetite for moderate risk and sustainable returns.
In parallel, the legislative framework for the intra-day and day-ahead hourly market is being developed within the Moldovan energy market operator, OPEM, which is due to be launched as early as the second quarter of this year. Consumers will thus be able to adapt their consumption profile to dynamic prices and suppliers will build flexible packages. This is an important step for the proper functioning of the market and a signal of alignment with European rules.
A market with resources and ideas, but still searching for balance
Despite rapid progress, Moldova faces structural challenges. The lack of consistent industrial production limits domestic absorption of surplus energy. “We do not make energy for energy’s sake. We need to produce energy to produce a product, a service that the Republic of Moldova can export,” said expert Sergiu Ungureanu.
In this context, the authorities are banking on diversification: biogas, waste recovery and cogeneration could become complementary pillars of the energy strategy. Feasibility studies and pilot projects are already underway to valorise animal manure or municipal waste, with international support. Biogas is expected to benefit from adapted support schemes, including 15-year regulated tariffs offered by ANRE.
Electric car-based storage
One of the most innovative ideas presented on the show also comes from the storage area, but in a decentralised form: using electric car batteries as active elements in the grid. Moldova already has more than 5,000 electric vehicles, and the authorities are encouraging talks between manufacturers, charging networks and suppliers to capitalise on this potential. “We can collect from 5,000 cars precisely about 10 MW. This without any major investment in infrastructure,” Borosan said.
Although the necessary regulations are still lacking, the direction is clear: Moldova is aiming for decentralisation, flexibility and consumer involvement in grid balancing mechanisms.
Investment, auctions and more market discipline
By 2027, Moldova will have – according to official estimates – at least 265 MW of new renewable capacity, of which a significant part will integrate storage solutions. In parallel, the authorities will continue to support market maturation, through clear regulation, digitisation and the opening of the hourly market.
For investors looking for an environment in rapid transition, but with high growth potential and clear institutional support, Moldova is becoming a destination worth putting on the map. Especially if we rely on flexible technologies, adaptability and a long-term vision.