Moldelectrica activated balancing services from photovoltaic power plants equipped with energy storage systems for the first time in the Republic of Moldova’s electricity system.
According to Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu, the system operator carried out the activations on 11 June between 13:30 and 16:30, using hybrid photovoltaic plants in Rădeni and Negureni, which have capacities of 50 MW and 40 MW.
At the request of Moldelectrica, the operators of these plants temporarily reduced electricity production to help maintain the balance between consumption and generation in the national power system. The plants cut output by up to 25 MW at peak.
“The activation of balancing services from photovoltaic plants equipped with storage systems shows that the balancing market mechanisms developed by the transmission system operator work in practice. It also shows that storage systems and renewable energy sources can actively support not only clean energy production, but also grid stability and balance. This marks clear progress in market maturity and alignment with European practices,” said Minister Dorin Junghietu.
The Ministry of Energy reports that Moldova’s renewable energy sector continues to expand rapidly, with installed renewable capacity now exceeding 1 GW.
Authorities explain that the electricity system must constantly stay in balance. When production exceeds consumption or falls short of it, the system operator instructs power plants or storage facilities to adjust output upward or downward to maintain grid stability.