Europe returns to coal as gas prices surge and Moldova declares energy emergency

energy crisis gas prices coal production Moldova energy tariffs energy security

Europe is seeing a resurgence in coal-fired electricity production, with estimates suggesting a 25% increase over the next six months. This shift is driven by soaring natural gas prices, which have exceeded 80 euro per megawatt-hour due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, coal and lignite plants have become more profitable than gas-fired plants for the first time since 2024.

In Moldova, the energy situation has prompted the government to declare a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors to ensure supply stability. Residents face significant cost increases as the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) prepares to review tariff adjustments. Energocom has proposed a nearly 30% increase in gas tariffs, while Termoelectrica has requested an 82.6% hike in heating tariffs. These rising costs have sparked calls for public protests and raised concerns regarding energy poverty and inflation.

Entities

ANRE · Energocom · Eugen Muravschi · Eugeniu Buzatu · European Union · Maia Sandu · Moldova · Republic of Moldova · Termoelectrica · Vasile Tofan

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Coal-based electricity production in Europe is estimated to rise by 25% in the next six months to compensate for a similar decline in gas-fired plants. www.albapesurse.ro · newsweek.ro
[● 3 SOURCES] Termoelectrica requested an 82.6% increase in heating tariffs, moving from 2,020 to 3,689 lei per gigacalorie excluding VAT. ziar.md · radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
[● 2 SOURCES] Moldova has declared a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors, effective September 26, as a preventive measure. voceabasarabiei.md · www.moldavie.fr
[● 2 SOURCES] Energocom has requested a gas tariff increase of nearly 30%, proposing a rate of 24.30 lei per 1,000 cubic meters. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
[● 3 SOURCES] Coal and lignite power plants have become more profitable than gas plants for the first time since 2024. www.albapesurse.ro · www.biziday.ro · newsweek.ro
[● 2 SOURCES] European gas benchmark prices have risen to over 80 euro per megawatt-hour, the highest level in three years. www.albapesurse.ro · newsweek.ro
[● 3 SOURCES] The share of coal in EU electricity production decreased from over one-third in 1990 to 9.2% in 2025. www.albapesurse.ro · www.biziday.ro · newsweek.ro
[● 3 SOURCES] The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) will review requests for tariff adjustments for gas, heat, and electricity on September 28. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md · news.yam.md