4 FAQs about Transnistria microgrid development

Why has Transnistria not been prepared?

Transnistria has not done anything in 30 years to be prepared.” Another reason is political. After decades of proclaiming its independence from Moldova, to be seen accepting “help” from it would be akin to admitting failure. Instead, Tiraspol is attempting to pin the crisis on Chisinau.

Why is Transnistria going dark?

After splitting from Moldova in 1990 as the Soviet Union crumbled, Transnistria has relied entirely on Russian gas – delivered through Ukraine's pipelines, mostly free of charge – to keep the lights on. That's over. With Russia unwilling to send gas via other routes, Transnistria is going dark. How has Transnistria been affected?

What happened to Russian gas in Transnistria?

The Cuciurgan power station in Transnistria turns Russian gas into electricity, some of which it sells to Moldova. Now Russian gas supplies have been cut off, that plant is producing vastly less energy. Moldova has had to buy from emergency European markets – mostly via Romania – at nearly twice the price. Further costs are on the horizon, too.

Where is Lenin in Transnistria?

A bust of Lenin in front of the parliament building in Tiraspol, the capital of the self-declared microstate Transnistria. In the capital of Transnistria, a self-declared microstate sandwiched between Moldova and Ukraine, the festive New Year's lights have gone dark ahead of schedule.

View/Download Transnistria microgrid development [PDF]

PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.