popular articles

Moldova Accuses Gazprom of Provoking an Energy Crisis in Transnistria

Moldova and Gazprom are at odds over a debt estimated between $9 million and $700 million, exacerbating Transnistria's energy crisis. The separatist region faces the risk of total power outages in the midst of winter.

Please share:

The energy crisis affecting Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist region of Moldova, highlights growing tensions between Chisinau and Moscow. This situation stems from financial disputes between Moldova and Gazprom, with a contested debt ranging from $9 million, as stated by Chisinau, to $700 million, as claimed by Moscow.

A Region on the Verge of Energy Collapse

Deprived of Russian gas since last December, Transnistria is experiencing severe restrictions. Nightly electricity cuts and the shutdown of local businesses directly affect the 500,000 residents of this territory. Vadim Krasnosselski, the leader of Transnistria, has warned of a 30% overuse of local electrical capacities, citing an imminent risk of total breakdowns or fires.

Residents, faced with harsh winter temperatures, resort to individual heating devices or firewood, further straining the already fragile electrical infrastructure.

Diplomatic Clashes Over Supply Issues

Moldova and Russia blame each other for worsening the crisis. According to Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Moscow aims to destabilize the region ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for the fall. He asserts that Russia could use the TurkStream pipeline to supply Transnistria but has refrained for political reasons.

In response, the Russian embassy in Chisinau condemned what it called “propaganda attacks” meant to undermine its role in the region. Moscow also accused Moldova of manipulating gas debts to politicize the energy crisis.

Major Economic and Social Impact

The halt of Russian gas deliveries is not only affecting Transnistria. While Moldova remains somewhat shielded by electricity imports from Romania, the cost of energy has doubled, burdening households and businesses. The Moldovan government hopes to secure European Union aid to mitigate the economic impacts of the crisis.

The Cuciurgan thermal power plant, located in Transnistria, is a critical component. This facility, which previously supplied up to 80% of Moldova’s electricity, now operates solely on coal. Its reserves are expected to run out by mid-February, raising further uncertainty about the region’s ability to maintain even minimal energy supplies.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QDF) have signed a $100 million financing agreement to connect the Gulf power grid with Oman. This strategic project, with a total cost exceeding $700 million, aims to enhance regional energy security and efficiency.
Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), in partnership with the European Union and other financial institutions, has launched the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project (LEEAP). With a budget of €107 million, this initiative aims to improve electricity access and energy efficiency in the country.
Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), in partnership with the European Union and other financial institutions, has launched the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project (LEEAP). With a budget of €107 million, this initiative aims to improve electricity access and energy efficiency in the country.
Energy Minister Marc Ferracci reaffirmed his opposition to reopening the debate on oil exploration in France. Despite proposals from Overseas Minister Manuel Valls, the government is prioritizing a decarbonization strategy aligned with its international commitments.
Energy Minister Marc Ferracci reaffirmed his opposition to reopening the debate on oil exploration in France. Despite proposals from Overseas Minister Manuel Valls, the government is prioritizing a decarbonization strategy aligned with its international commitments.
Donald Trump has signed a decree creating a National Council for Energy Dominance, aimed at massively increasing electricity production. The goal is to strengthen the United States’ competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI), a rapidly expanding and energy-intensive sector.
Donald Trump has signed a decree creating a National Council for Energy Dominance, aimed at massively increasing electricity production. The goal is to strengthen the United States’ competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI), a rapidly expanding and energy-intensive sector.
*Thames Water, a major water supplier in the UK, is facing an environmental investigation over growing concerns regarding its waste management and leaks. This situation raises significant financial stakes for the company.*
The Medef and thirteen other European employers' organizations launch an initiative to support the nuclear sector in the EU, in response to increasing competitiveness challenges exacerbated by international politics and global economic tensions.
The Medef and thirteen other European employers' organizations launch an initiative to support the nuclear sector in the EU, in response to increasing competitiveness challenges exacerbated by international politics and global economic tensions.
France will invest €100 billion to modernize its power grid by 2035. However, the impact on consumer bills will be limited, according to the network manager RTE.
France will invest €100 billion to modernize its power grid by 2035. However, the impact on consumer bills will be limited, according to the network manager RTE.
The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.
The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.
The Tanzanian government plans to invest $12.9 billion to add 2.4 GW to its power grid by 2030. This funding aims to expand electricity access to 75% of the population, with significant participation from the private sector.
A court demands that all funding linked to federal energy and climate laws, previously suspended, be immediately put back into circulation. This decision is based on a federal judgment challenging the legality of a freeze imposed by the American executive.
A court demands that all funding linked to federal energy and climate laws, previously suspended, be immediately put back into circulation. This decision is based on a federal judgment challenging the legality of a freeze imposed by the American executive.
At the World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Paris, Emmanuel Macron highlighted nuclear energy as a power source for technological infrastructures, countering Donald Trump's plans to massively expand oil drilling in the United States.
At the World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Paris, Emmanuel Macron highlighted nuclear energy as a power source for technological infrastructures, countering Donald Trump's plans to massively expand oil drilling in the United States.
Canada will need to build energy infrastructure on an unprecedented scale to meet the federal government's goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 2050. A major technical and economic challenge marked by delays and significant costs.
Canada will need to build energy infrastructure on an unprecedented scale to meet the federal government's goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 2050. A major technical and economic challenge marked by delays and significant costs.
The majority of countries have not submitted their new climate roadmaps to the UN before the February 10 deadline. This delay raises questions about the priorities of major economies amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty.
Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
Rosatom announces the development of a plasma rocket engine prototype capable of reducing the journey to Mars to just 30 days. This technological breakthrough could have major strategic implications in the race for space exploration.
Rosatom announces the development of a plasma rocket engine prototype capable of reducing the journey to Mars to just 30 days. This technological breakthrough could have major strategic implications in the race for space exploration.
The Canadian government allocates $43.5 million to strengthen energy policy related to critical minerals in Quebec. This investment aims to support infrastructure and research, consolidating the country's strategic supply chains.
The Canadian government allocates $43.5 million to strengthen energy policy related to critical minerals in Quebec. This investment aims to support infrastructure and research, consolidating the country's strategic supply chains.
Electricity consumption in France increased by 0.7% in 2024, reaching 449.2 terawatt-hours, according to RTE. This slight rise marks a turning point after two years of decline but remains well below pre-2020 levels.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in renewable energy subsidies in China. New projects will now have to sell their electricity at market prices, marking a transition to a more autonomous economic model.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in renewable energy subsidies in China. New projects will now have to sell their electricity at market prices, marking a transition to a more autonomous economic model.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have finalized their synchronization with the European electricity grid, ending their dependence on Russian infrastructure. This project, funded with €1.6 billion, strengthens the region’s energy security.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have finalized their synchronization with the European electricity grid, ending their dependence on Russian infrastructure. This project, funded with €1.6 billion, strengthens the region’s energy security.
French electricity exports generated a record €5 billion in 2024, driven by increased volumes despite falling market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium are among the main importers.
French electricity exports generated a record €5 billion in 2024, driven by increased volumes despite falling market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium are among the main importers.
Engie announces an exceptional increase of €50 for energy vouchers benefiting eligible customers and doubles its contribution to the Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL). This measure comes as rising electricity taxes impact consumers.
La Lituanie, la Lettonie et l'Estonie vont couper leurs derniers liens avec le réseau électrique russe. Ce basculement, prévu le 8 février, marque leur intégration complète au réseau européen après des années de préparation et d'investissements.
La Lituanie, la Lettonie et l'Estonie vont couper leurs derniers liens avec le réseau électrique russe. Ce basculement, prévu le 8 février, marque leur intégration complète au réseau européen après des années de préparation et d'investissements.
Indonesia must manage ambitious climate commitments while maintaining energy stability. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aimed at mobilizing $20 billion, faces financial obstacles and uncertainties regarding international funding.
Indonesia must manage ambitious climate commitments while maintaining energy stability. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aimed at mobilizing $20 billion, faces financial obstacles and uncertainties regarding international funding.
The recent changes in U.S. tariff policies could affect the global energy industry, particularly trade in key products such as natural gas and renewable energy equipment.
The recent changes in U.S. tariff policies could affect the global energy industry, particularly trade in key products such as natural gas and renewable energy equipment.

Advertising