Moldova plans to boost capacity to store electricity to 600 MW

CHISINAU. May 12 (Interfax) - Moldova's Energy Ministry is initiating the creation of new electricity storage capacity to bring it to 600 MW, and is proposing to establish state support mechanisms for investors implementing the projects, the ministry's press service said.

"The Energy Ministry has calculated that the energy system requires at least 600 MW of storage capacity in order to ensure the ability to transmit energy generated during peak consumption hours in the evening, which should reduce imports and improve the country's energy security," according to the statement.

The Energy Ministry thusly said that it is collaborating with members of parliament to prepare legislative amendments aimed at accelerating investment in energy storage systems, including the creation of state support mechanisms for investment in these systems, as well as the possibility of deferring VAT payments on importing the necessary equipment.

Energy Ministry data indicate that the 60 MW BESS energy storage system, launched in April, currently provides up to 7% of peak consumption. "Other energy storage systems are planned for the near future, with investments to be made by the private sector," according to the press release.

Moldova's renewable energy generation capacity currently exceeds 1000 MW, of which approximately 72% is photovoltaic. The accelerated growth of this capacity leads to significant excess electricity during the day, which, absent energy storage solutions, is not utilized efficiently, according to the press release.

The ministry emphasizes that expanding the development of electricity storage capacity would reduce the country's dependence on imports and regional market volatility, including in Romania.

As reported, Moldova in April commissioned the first BESS energy storage system with capacity of 60 MW near Chisinau, integrated with a 50 MW photovoltaic plant. Energy stored in the BESS energy storage system is sold on the day-ahead market, allowing exploiting price differentials between periods of low and peak demand. The Energy Ministry has not disclosed the private investor implementing the project or the investment amount.