The dependence of the Republic of Moldova on a single natural gas source, the Russian one, threatens the country's energy security. However, the arrival of the Romanian company, Transgaz, on the Moldovan energy market would increase the energy security of the Republic of Moldova. Moreover, it would also facilitate access to the EU gas market after it announced its intention to contribute to the realization of the gas interconnection project between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Including the extension of the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline to Chisinau, to be commissioned in early 2019.

"With the arrival of Transgaz, the energy security of the Republic of Moldova will be diversified and its dependence on Russian gas will be reduced. Interconnection with Romania already exists via the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline, but this is insufficient to contribute to Moldova's energy security because it supplies natural gas to only a few villages in the Ungheni and Nisporeni districts", explained during the 15 minutes of economic realism, "IDIS Viitorul" expert, Ion Tăbârţă.

The capacity of the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline is estimated at 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas. The Republic of Moldova, at the peak times during the winter period, consumed no more than 1.3 billion cubic meters of gas, excluding the Transnistrian region. But for the time being, it is not known what will be done with the electricity supply, given that Moldova imports 75% of the current from Cuciurgan, hydropower station located on the left bank of the Dniester River. Thus, in addition to the gas pipeline, it is necessary to interconnect the entire energy system of the Republic of Moldova with that of Romania. If this is done then we will be able to talk about a real energy alternative of the Republic of Moldova and its independence from the Russian Federation.

"Gazprom, through Moldovagaz, controls the energy security of the Republic of Moldova. And this has made the Dniester region an important player on the Moldovan energy market. Enclave does not pay its payments for the gas delivered, and as a result, a debt of USD 6 billion has been accumulated by the Russian Federation on the account of the Republic of Moldova, "Tăbârţă added.

According to him, the Republic of Moldova must move very quickly with the construction of the Ungheni-Chisinau pipeline, because Gazprom is to use the gas pipeline that will transport gas to Europe bypassing the Republic of Moldova - Turkish Stream, which will supply the Balkan countries with gas. Obviously, this will leave Moldova without transit status, which will make it even more vulnerable to the Kremlin.

In conclusion, Ion Tăbârţă said that Transgaz's arrival in the energy sector is vital for Moldova's energy security. It will be one of the largest economic investments of a company over the Prut, but things may be overwhelmed in the Republic of Moldova as a result of the fact that 2018 is an electoral one, with uncertain results, or the occult interests of the oligarchic circles at Chisinau involved in the energy schemes with the participation of decision makers from the left bank of the Dniester River.

The show is made by IDIS "Viitorul" in partnership with Radio Free Europe.

For further details, please contact the press officer, Victor URSU, at the following address: ursu.victoor@gmail.com or at 069017396.