OREANDA-NEWS. February 07, 2014. Romania takes into consideration full coverage of Moldova’s gas and energy consumption in the long run, Romanian Minister Delegate for Energy Constantin Nita has said in an interview.

The gas and energy export to Moldova might be carried out via diverse formulas.”This implies that the Transgaz and Transelectrica companies should plan their investments, so that we could do this in 2-3 years. We have completed the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline, which must be extended to Chisinau. We need the European Commission’s help, as the investment amounts to 110 million euros, including the compressor station, on the Romanian side alone, and on the Moldovan one too,” Nita said. Therefore, “funds are needed for this head-tail interconnection from Iasi to Chisinau”.

“Feasibility studies are under discussion in terms of electricity. Now, we are studying the possibility to carry out a back-to-back station in Vulcanesti, in order to sell 500-600 MW in band. This cannot be done earlier than in one year and needs a 60-65 million euros-investment”, he also said.

Nita noted that Romania would export gas only after the domestic production covers the national consumption. “We should meet our requirements, and then we can talk. Surely, after other resources appear, as those from the Black Sea, shale gas, then we will be able to take into account a serious gas export as well,” he added.