Foundations for Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line pillars 80 per cent complete

The construction site of the 400 kV Vulcanesti–Chisinau Independence Energy Line spans over 135 kilometers in both directions. To date, 224 pillars have been assembled, which is approximately 44 per cent of the total. At the same time, the foundation work is 80 per cent complete, with over 405 structures executed.

The Ministry of Energy today unveiled data to this effect, following a visit to the site by Minister Dorin Junghietu, in order to review the progress.

Preparations for stretching the conductor have recently started in Congaz, Comrat district. On the site, work is carried out simultaneously in the Hancesti district, on one side and in the Vulcanesti area, just one kilometer from the Vulcanesti Electric Station, where infrastructure modernization works are ongoing.

Also, works are carried out in the Autonomous Territorial Unit (UTA) Gagauzia and the districts of Leova, Cahul, Taraclia, Cimislia and Hancesti. Workers are operating in stages and in coordination, in order to observe the schedule established, Ministry of Energy said.

Meanwhile, at the Chisinau Electric Station, where the 400 kV line is to be connected, a modern system for monitoring the technical parameters of each autotransformer phase has already been delivered and is set to be installed in the near future. Moreover, the installation of 330 kV disconnectors is in the final phase.

The construction of the Vulcanesti-Chisinau Power Line started in April 2024 and is part of the Power System Development Project, financed by the World Bank Group. Its value is 61 million euros, of which about 27 million euros is for the Line's construction.

The 400 kV Overhead Power Line will be 157 kilometers long. Thus, over 500 pillars and 1,500 kilometers of conductors will form a strategic connection between the south and center, by crossing eight districts and 35 settlements. Depending on the energy system regime, the line can provide a flow transit of up to 630 MVA, which could meet 50 per cent of the energy consumption needs during peak periods.

The construction of the Vulcanesti-Chisinau power line is a strategically important project for Moldova's energy security. The new power line will allow the transport of electricity from Romania or other European markets to Chisinau, bypassing the Moldovan power plant located in the Transnistrian region.