VIDEO | Gas from Neptun Deep could reach the Republic of Moldova in the fall of 2027. Chisinau is counting on resources from the Black Sea to reduce energy dependence

The Republic of Moldova could start importing natural gas extracted from the Neptun Deep field, located in the Romanian sector of the Black Sea, starting in the fall of 2027. The authorities in Chisinau claim that they have managed to secure a significant volume of gas for domestic consumption, and the geographical proximity of the new source should reduce transportation costs. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, after a meeting on Tuesday, October 27, with his Romanian counterpart, Luca-Alexandru Niculescu. The two officials also discussed accelerating joint energy projects, including the construction of the Balti-Suceava power line, as well as the development of road infrastructure and the fluidization of traffic at the Moldovan-Romanian border.

According to Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, gas exploitation from the Neptun Deep perimeter is expected to begin in the summer of 2027, and the first deliveries to the Republic of Moldova are expected for the autumn of the same year, with the start of the new gas year.

The Head of the Chisinau Executive stressed that the development of the project will allow Romania to considerably increase its natural gas production, offering the Republic of Moldova the opportunity to benefit from a closer supply source and lower transportation costs.

"Romania produces about 8 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Now, with the entry into operation of Neptun Deep, this volume will double. Romania will become the largest producer of natural gas in Europe and I am glad that we have managed to allocate a significant volume for our domestic gas consumption, which will be brought from Neptun Deep, for the benefits of our consumers. It is gas that is closer to our country, which means that transportation costs are lower and it is an advantageous partnership for both the supplier in Romania and the citizens of the Republic of Moldova", declared Vasile Tofan during the press conference held together with the Prime Minister of Romania, Luca-Alexandru Niculescu.

For now, the authorities have not specified the exact quantity of gas that would be imported from Neptun Deep nor the price at which it will be purchased.

Balti-Suceava power line and new energy interconnections

In addition to future gas imports, the discussions between the two prime ministers also aimed at strengthening the energy infrastructure between the Republic of Moldova and Romania.

One of the priority projects is the Balti-Suceava power line, the construction of which is to be accelerated. This is part of efforts to expand energy interconnections and reduce Moldova's vulnerabilities to potential supply crises.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Romania, Luca-Alexandru Niculescu, reiterated Bucharest's support for strengthening the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and connecting it to the European infrastructure.

"We discussed in detail the status of interconnection projects in the field of transport, in the field of energy. These are two areas essential for the resilience of the Republic of Moldova and for connecting with the European Union through Romania. Because we know that, for a long time and too often, energy is used as an element, as a weapon of geopolitical blackmail. So, we will continue to support, for the benefit of citizens, the expansion of this energy independence", declared the Prime Minister of Romania.

Another important topic of the meeting was the development of transport infrastructure between the two states.

Authorities in Chisinau and Bucharest discussed accelerating the construction of the Ungheni bridge, including access roads and border infrastructure, as well as advancing the coordinated control project at the Cantemir-Fălciu crossing point.

Vasile Tofan emphasized that the modernization of transport infrastructure is essential, including for Moldovan farmers and exporters, who need faster routes to transport their products to the Romanian and European markets.

"We want this relationship to bring more and more benefits on both banks of the Prut. In this spirit, I discussed with Prime Minister Niculescu the projects we can accelerate and the priorities for the coming period. More bridges over the Prut, better roads and more and faster border crossings. Especially now, when it is the season for Moldovan farmers to export vegetables and fruits, so that people and goods can move faster and easier", declared the Prime Minister from Chisinau.

Thus, energy cooperation and the development of transport infrastructure remain two of the priorities of the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, with an emphasis on diversifying supply sources, reducing logistics costs and approaching the European Union market.