how Moldova faces a winter without energy

On January 1, 2025, Moldova faced a complete cutoff of Russian natural gas supplies. This development marks an escalation in the energy tensions that have been plaguing Europe since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The situation, already critical for the Moldovan economy, is now a source of deep concern. Let's explore the ins and outs of this crisis which is paralyzing the country's industrial fabric.

A major energy shock

Until recently, Moldova was largely dependent on Russian gas deliveries, transiting via Ukraine. With the cessation of deliveries, the consequences are immediate: more than 90% of industries in the pro-Russian secessionist region of Transdniestria are at a standstill, according to Sergei Obolonik, local economic representative. Indeed, gas constituted an essential resource for sectors such as metallurgy and chemistry, economic pillars of the region..

This ruling comes against a backdrop of protracted financial disputes. Gazprom, a Russian supplier, demanded payments that Transdniestria could not meet, shifting the responsibility to Chisinau. This accumulation of debt led to a disruption in supplies, plunging residents into a major energy crisis.

Economic and social consequences

The impacts of this cut are multiple and serious:

Transdniestria, a region with 450,000 inhabitants, sees its industrial sector completely paralyzed. Only agri-food companies are still operating, but at reduced capacity.

Factory closures have already led to massive layoffs, worsening an already precarious economic situation.

Impact on households:

Moldovan authorities recommend that residents “dress warmly” and group together in a single room to save energy. A critical situation also affects schools, with 131 establishments and 147 kindergartens disconnected from the energy network.

Risk of a humanitarian crisis:

Winter temperatures make the situation particularly dangerous. Families are deprived of heating and health infrastructure is struggling to meet growing needs.

A geopolitical challenge for Moldova

This energy crisis illustrates the geopolitical challenges Moldova faces. Close to the European Union (EU), the country seeks to diversify its energy sources, but alternatives are limited. Although Romania has provided crucial electricity support, this remains insufficient to compensate for the loss of gas.

Stopping deliveries via Ukraine is also part of a strategy of pressure from the Kremlin on Western countries. According to Daniel Voda, spokesperson for the Moldovan government, this cut is “energy blackmail” aimed at weakening Moldova’s pro-European aspirations.

Energy solutions and alternatives

To get out of this impasse, several avenues are being considered:

Import of liquefied gas (LNG):

The EU and Moldova are exploring partnerships to increase LNG imports through terminals in Romania and Bulgaria.

Development of renewable energies:

Moldova is accelerating its solar and wind energy projects, but these solutions require massive investment and time.

Strengthening the European network:

The EU called for increased coordination to provide immediate support to Chisinau, including emergency loans and gas deliveries transiting through other neighboring countries.