Moldova: Stable heating supply throughout winter

Suzanna, a mother of three in the Republic of Moldova, knows the harsh reality of winter all too well. With freezing temperatures below for months on end, staying warm is a constant battle.

"If you don't have heating, your house literally freezes," says Suzanna. "But it's very expensive, so people can't afford to heat their houses." 

Moldova's struggle to stay warm during winter is compounded by the ongoing war on Ukraine. The war has disrupted global energy markets, causing gas prices to skyrocket.

"We're concerned about affording heat this year," Suzanna says. "Gas prices have gone up, and we'll need to cut back on other things to make ends meet." 

Previously reliant on Russian gas, Moldova is now actively seeking alternative sources to diversify its gas sources and secure its energy independence and resilience. They are not alone in this fight. Norway and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have stepped in to provide financial support for Moldova's gas purchases. While the support strengthens Moldova’s long-term energy security, the financing is also instrumental in ensuring immediate support for a stable supply of gas throughout the winter, alleviating the burden on families like Suzanna's. 

The results stories on the webpage of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine are based on texts produced and shared by the civilian and humanitarian partners of the programme. The stories represent a snapshot of the results achieved to showcase the difference the Norwegian support is making.