The National Agency for Energy Regulation (NAER) has initiated public consultations on a draft decision that represents a critical milestone in modernizing Moldova’s electricity market. The proposal aims to establish two new mechanisms: a system services market and an electricity balancing market — both essential for ensuring grid stability and security, especially with the rising integration of renewable energy sources, bani.md reports.
For the first time, the transmission system operator Moldelectrica S.S. will be authorized to contract stabilization, regulation, and frequency restoration reserves via transparent, competitive tenders. These measures are designed to balance electricity supply and demand in real-time and reduce the risk of blackouts or grid instability.
“This reform is necessary to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the national power system, especially as more and more energy comes from photovoltaic or wind sources, which are inherently unstable,” stated the NAER in its press release.
FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
Moldelectrica’s analysis indicates that the current system responds poorly to rapid shifts in production or consumption due to the limited flexibility of existing generation assets. Without modern balancing tools, the grid remains exposed to significant risks.
Based on pilot tests and reserve requirement estimates, the NAER’s draft decision will lay the legal groundwork for a competitive market where qualified suppliers can bid to provide balancing services, enhancing resilience and reliability across the power sector.