Moldova tests gas emergency procedures with EU support

On 9 June, Moldovan authorities and energy sector stakeholders, including system operators, suppliers, traders, and large consumers, conducted a Gas Security of Supply table-top exercise, simulating high- and medium-impact scenarios and testing responses in real time in line with the national emergency plan.

The table-top exercise is supported through the EU-funded Moldova Energy Independence project (MEIR), under which the Energy Community Secretariat is assisting the Moldovan Ministry of Energy in adapting the security of supply framework to evolving market realities and strengthening key aspects of gas crisis preparedness.

According to the Energy Community Secretariat, this was the first exercise of its kind in Moldova, marking “an important step” in strengthening the Energy Community Contracting Party’s emergency preparedness and crisis response capacity. Lessons learned will be shared with the broader Energy Community region and feed directly into Moldova’s national gas risk assessment. 

“Moldova’s reliance on imported natural gas — the main fuel for electricity and heat in the Energy Community Contracting Party — makes its energy system particularly exposed to seasonal demand swings and supply shocks,” the Energy Community Secretariat said in a press release. “This vulnerability was underscored starting with the 2021 energy crisis, when disruptions to Russian gas supplies revealed structural weaknesses in supply security. Since then, Moldova has advanced EU-aligned reforms to strengthen resilience, diversify supply sources, and reduce dependence on single suppliers.” 

On 1 April 2026, Moldova opened its gas market to large non-household consumers, representing more than half of national demand. This reform is expected to enhance competition and improve access to more diversified and affordable gas supplies. In addition, Moldova has gone beyond EU requirements by securing gas storage volumes exceeding 20% of average annual consumption and, for the first time in 2025, extending storage arrangements to the Transnistrian region, thereby reducing systemic risks.

The table-top exercise was supported through the EU-funded Moldova Energy Independence Project (MEIR), under which the Energy Community Secretariat is assisting the Ministry of Energy in adapting the security of supply framework to evolving market realities and strengthening key aspects of gas crisis preparedness.

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Press release