USA, Moldova advance Liberty Line project; Moldovan PM says interest of American investors growing

Moldova has taken a new step in strengthening its energy security with the presentation of the pre-feasibility study for the 400 kV Straseni–Gutinas overhead power line, Liberty Line, a strategic project aimed at reinforcing the interconnection of the national power system with Romania and the European market.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has made statements to this effect, after his meeting with Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of United States in Moldova Nick Pietrowicz.

According to the PM, the project is an important element for enhancing the country’s energy independence and for its integration into European energy networks.

“Today, we have taken another step to strengthen the energy security of Moldova. Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the USA in Moldova Nick Pietrowicz presented to me the pre-feasibility study for the 400 kV Straseni–Gutinas overhead power line, ‘Liberty Line,’ a strategic project that will strengthen the interconnection of our power system with Romania and the European market,” said Alexandru Munteanu.

During the discussions, the sides analyzed next stages of project’s implementation, as well as possibilities to accelerate American investments in Moldova.

“We discussed the next stages of the project, as well as how we can accelerate American investments in Moldova. We are seeing growing interest in our country, and this must be capitalized on,” the prime minister said.

Alexandru Munteanu emphasized that the modernization of energy infrastructure was essential for the country’s economic development and for attracting foreign investment.

“The development of energy infrastructure must go hand in hand with economic development. A country with a safe and modern energy system is a more attractive country for investments,” the prime minister noted.

The PM thanked the United States of America for the support provided to Moldova and for its contribution to the implementation of strategic projects in the energy sector.

“I thank the United States of America for its constant support and for the partnership that delivers results for Moldova,” concluded Alexandru Munteanu.

The 400 kV Straseni–Gutinas overhead power line project is considered one of the most important strategic investments for the energy security of Moldova. The new interconnection will link the Straseni substation to the Gutinas substation of Romania, strengthening the country’s direct connection to the European energy system and increasing its electricity import and export capacity.

The project envisages the construction of a line of approximately 190 kilometers, of which around 70 km will be on the territory of Moldova and 120 km in Romania, this becoming the third 400 kV interconnection line between the two states.

The Moldovan authorities describe the investment as a strategic priority for reducing energy dependence, increasing the reliability of the power system and fully integrating into the European energy market.

The estimated cost of the project is approximately 130 million dollars, with financing to be provided by the Government of the United States.

The Straseni–Gutinas line is part of the national plan to strengthen energy security and, together with the Vulcanesti–Chisinau and Balti–Suceava projects, will contribute to expanding energy transfer capacity with the European ENTSO-E network and diversifying supply sources for consumers of Moldova.