Moldova’s Energocom to Test U.S. LNG Supply
In a significant move towards energy diversification, Moldova’s domestic gas supplier, Energocom, has announced plans to test the supply of U.S.-origin liquefied natural gas (LNG) this week. This development marks a pivotal shift as the country has historically depended on Russian gas supplies.
The trial, set for Monday and Tuesday, will see Energocom purchasing test volumes of LNG from the Alexandroupolis floating terminal, a venture in collaboration with Greek state-controlled company DEPA Commercial. According to Energocom’s acting director, Victor Binzar, the company will acquire 14,000 MWh of natural gas each day at the port of Alexandroupolis, totaling approximately 28,000 MWh or 2.6 million cubic metres of gas over the two-day period.
This initiative is not the first time Energocom has explored alternative routes for its gas supply. The company previously conducted a successful test by importing a smaller quantity of gas from Greece in 2023. These steps are part of Moldova’s broader strategy to reduce its energy reliance on Russia, especially in light of the geopolitical tensions following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
While Moldova itself has ceased direct gas purchases from Russia, the Transdniestria region continues to depend on Russian gas. The country’s total annual gas demand slightly exceeds 3 billion cubic meters. The introduction of U.S.-origin LNG into Moldova’s energy mix could potentially reshape the nation’s energy security and set a precedent for future procurement strategies.
The move by Energocom underscores the shifting dynamics in global energy markets as nations seek to diversify their energy sources amidst political and supply uncertainties. It also highlights the growing importance of LNG as a flexible and secure energy option for countries looking to pivot away from traditional suppliers.