The options for developing thermal and electrical energy production capacities within Termoelectrica S.A. were analyzed within the framework of a comprehensive feasibility study, which was presented in its final version during meetings organized with the participation of representatives of the energy authorities and the World Bank.
Among the proposed options, the optimal recommended solution is the construction of a new high-efficiency cogeneration plant, with a combined cycle, with an electrical capacity of approximately 250 MW and a thermal capacity of approximately 180 MW, which will replace the Source 1 Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP).
The State Secretary within the Ministry of Energy, Constantin Borosan, mentioned that the modernization and replacement of the current thermal and electrical energy production infrastructure is a pressing necessity, resulting from the fact that the current facilities are at the end of their operating period. “It is necessary to ensure new thermal and electrical energy production capacities within Termoelectrica S.A., and these solutions fit both into the country’s strategy for ensuring energy security, but also for increasing domestic electricity production capacities,” said the Secretary of State, Constantin Borosan.
In total, the study proposes 5 technical solutions, each alternative examined includes high-efficiency cogeneration technologies, in combination with renewable energy sources, waste energy recovery, heat storage, heat pumps, etc. Thus, the new thermal and electrical energy production capacities of Termoelectrica S.A. would be based on gas turbines and combined cycle steam turbines, on internal combustion engines, in combination with waste energy recovery, heat pumps and electric boilers, solar collectors and a battery for thermal energy storage.
During the discussions, the Director of UCIPE, Ruslan Surugiu, mentioned that the proposed technical solutions offer a clear perspective for Termoelectrica S.A., which could become a much more competitive player on the energy market. The power plant in the proposed configurations could also operate in the summer to produce electricity at a higher electrical efficiency, which will significantly contribute both to ensuring energy from internal production, but also to balancing and integrating renewable energy.
At the same time, the General Director of Termoelectrica S.A., Iurie Razlovan, mentioned that the company's team was actively involved together with the consultant in the analysis of technical solutions, therefore this could be a first step to identify a new level of development and modernization of the power plants, with modern and efficient technologies.
The development of the feasibility study is a component part of the second Project to improve the efficiency of the centralized thermal energy supply system (PIESACET-2), financed by the World Bank. The company contracted to prepare the feasibility study (COLENCO Ltd. (North Macedonia), EKONERG Ltd. (Croatia) and Urban Technology Alliance (United Kingdom) was selected through an international tender procedure.
This project is being implemented by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, through the Ministry of Energy and UCIPE, with the support of the World Bank. The beneficiary of the PIESACET-2 Project is Termoelectrica S.A..