VIDEO // Energization of entire Vulcanesti-Chisinau Power Line to take place later this week

The entire Vulcanesti–Chisinau Power Line this week will be energized up to the Chisinau electrical substation, marking a decisive step before the line is commissioned. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu has made statements to this effect. The official today paid a visit to the Chișinău Electrical Substation, in order to check the results of the technical tests carried out last week and the preparations for the next stage.

The minister had discussions with representatives of the contractor, the consulting company supervising the works and the transmission system operator, Moldelectrica.

The energization of the entire line will take place after, last week, the first 100-kilometer segment of the Vulcanesti–Chisinau Line was put under voltage.

“We started the work week at the Chisinau Electrical Substation. Last week, on the line side, the first 100 km were energized and tested under operating voltage, in order to verify the functionality of the Vulcanesti–Chisinau overhead power line. This week, we plan to energize the entire line up to the entry point into the Chisinau electrical substation. I came today to make sure that the works are progressing on schedule and that we are ready, during this week, to carry out this important and critical operation for testing the functionality of the entire power line,” said Dorin Junghietu.

The official emphasized the need for the works to be carried out with high quality, with maximum responsibility, in full safety and within the agreed deadlines.

“We are very close to the end of a project that has been expected for many years. That is precisely why I insist that each stage be completed with maximum responsibility and in full safety. We are almost there. This is how energy independence is built,” said Dorin Junghietu.

The Vulcanesti–Chisinau line is referred to by the authorities as “the energy independence line,” as it is expected to provide Moldova with its own energy transmission infrastructure between the south and the center of the country, reducing the vulnerabilities of the power system.

The construction works on the Vulcanesti–Chisinau overhead power line effectively started in April 2024 and are part of the Power System Development Project financed by the World Bank Group. Its total value is 61 million euros, of which about 27 million euros is allocated for the construction of the line.

The line has a total length of 157 km, crossing 35 localities in eight districts, connecting the 400 kV Vulcanesti Electrical Substation with the 330 kV Chisinau Electrical Substation. It will be able to transport up to 630 MVA of power, equivalent to more than 50 per cent of the country’s required consumption during peak periods.

The construction of the Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line is a project of strategic importance for the country’s energy security. The new power line will make it possible to transport electricity from Romania or other European markets to Chisinau without passing through the Moldovan Power Plant located in the Transnistrian region.