Moldova Faces Energy Blues Due to Energy Disruptions from Russia

Moldova Faces Energy Blues Due to Energy Disruptions from Russia

In the heart of Eastern Europe, Moldova is grappling with a severe energy crisis, a ripple effect of the halted gas transit to Transnistria. The breakaway region, once dependent on Russian gas, has been left without heat and electricity during the harsh winter of 2025.

One local resident, Dmitry, reported that hot water and radiator heat are off or barely warm in his home, a stark reminder of the crisis at hand.

The disruption, triggered by Gazprom’s complete halt of gas deliveries to Transnistria in January 2025, has had significant impacts on Transnistria’s energy security, Moldova’s electricity supply, political dynamics, and has accelerated efforts toward alternative energy solutions.

Transnistria, relying heavily on Russian gas but not paying for it directly, has been plunged into a severe energy crisis. The loss of gas revenue also dramatically reduced Transnistria’s budget, as the region’s main gas-fired power plant covered about half its budget through electricity exports to Moldova.

Moldova, despite not having direct control over Transnistria, remains dependent on electricity generated by the Transnistria-based power plant, which provided up to 80% of Moldova’s electricity needs. The gas cutoff disrupted electricity exports from Transnistria, leading to a broader electricity crisis in Moldova in early 2025.

The Moldovan government, led by Prime Minister Dorin Recean and President Maia Sandu, authorized limited gas transit to Transnistria under strict conditions, including political demands such as the release of political prisoners and removal of Transnistrian control posts. These conditions reflect ongoing political tensions between Moldova and the breakaway region, complicated by Transnistria’s rejection of €60 million in European aid intended to stabilize energy supplies.

In response to the crisis, Moldova has made a decisive shift away from Gazprom and Russian energy imports since 2022, diversifying its sources mainly by increasing imports from Romania and integrating with EU energy markets. The Vertical Corridor gas pipeline through Southern and Central Europe, connecting LNG terminals in Greece to Moldova, has been crucial in maintaining gas supplies during crises.

Moldova adopted a new electricity law strengthening regulation and promoting liberalization of its energy market, aiming for full EU interconnection by 2027, which would reduce energy dependence on Russia and Transnistria. While these measures improve resilience, the Transnistria gas supply situation remains uncertain and vulnerable, with no long-term agreements in place yet.

The crisis also underscores the political complexity of Moldova’s internal divisions and the unresolved Transnistrian conflict. The energy crisis and political instability in Moldova may lead to public unrest and increased support for pro-Russian parties, potentially reshaping the nation's political landscape.

As Moldova braces for potential power cuts, local authorities in Transnistria are establishing "heating points" and advising families to consolidate living spaces to conserve warmth. The pressure of the remaining gas in Transnistria is severely low, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Transnistria is deepening, with resistance from Tiraspol to accept external aid hampering recovery efforts.

The flow of Russian gas to Moldova through Ukraine stopped on January 1st, attributed to Kyiv’s decision not to renew a gas transit agreement with Gazprom. The gas disruption raises concern in Moldova due to potential energy shortages. Moldova has declared a state of emergency as it prepares to purchase more expensive electricity from Europe.

The crisis is a strategic move by Russia to destabilize Moldova before the 2025 parliamentary elections, according to Moldova's officials. The energy crisis, coupled with the ongoing political tensions, presents a significant challenge for Moldova as it navigates its path towards EU integration.

1. The energy crisis in Moldova, caused by the halt of gas deliveries from Gazprom, has not only affected the country's energy security, but it has also heightened political complexities, influencing the policy-and-legislation scene and politics within the region.
2. Transnistria, relying on Russian gas but without direct payment, found itself in a severe energy crisis that also led to a significant decrease in its finance, as the region's main gas-fired power plant covered about half its budget through electricity exports to Moldova.
3. In contrast, the crisis has prompted Moldova to reconsider its reliance on Russian energy, leading to efforts to diversify its sources, such as increased imports from Romania and integration with EU energy markets, resulting in a shift in the industry landscape.

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