VIDEO // Setting of electric cables starts on Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line

The setting of electric cables has begun in the Congaz area on the Vulcanesti-Chisinau independence power line. Simultaneously, the construction work on the 400 kV line is progressing, with new pillars and foundations completed. To analyze the progress of the work, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu visited the construction site in the Cimislia district.

According to updated data by the Ministry of Energy, in the last three weeks, in the Cimislia district alone, 112 out of the 117 planned foundations have been concreted, with three recently completed. Fifty five pillars have already been assembled, 41 of which were completed in the last three weeks. At the same time, 25 pillars were erected along the route in July.





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The Overhead Power Line (OPL) will have a length of 157 kilometers. Thus, over 500 pillars and 1,500 kilometers of conductors will form a strategic link between the south and center, intersecting eight districts and 35 settlements. Depending on the electricity system's regime, the line can cover over 50 percent of the energy consumption during peak periods.

Minister Dorin Junghietu said that this strategic project was an essential investment in the energy independence and security of Moldova, part of the effort to enhance connectivity with the European network ENTSO-E.

“The 400 kV Vulcanesti–Chisinau line is the backbone of our energy security. The progress of the work on the ground, despite high temperatures, shows the seriousness and commitment of the teams involved. It proves that Moldova can do it!” declared the minister.

Meanwhile, at the Chisinau Electric Station, progress has been recorded in the process of modernizing high voltage infrastructure. Thus, in the last three weeks, the autotransformer monitoring system has been delivered, allowing real-time monitoring of equipment status and contributing to preventing operational risks. Also, metal supports for mounting high voltage circuit breakers, key elements for the safety and functionality of the station have been delivered.

During this period, the 330 kV switches have been set and considerable progress has been made in the construction of the autotransformer's foundations. They included concreting the tracks, welding the rails, reinforcing and pouring concrete into the tanks, as well as filling and preparing the platform for installing equipment.

The construction project of the Vulcanesti - Chisinau OPL is carried out by the government, through the Ministry of Energy and UCIPE - Unit for Implementing Energy Projects, with support from the World Bank.

The works on construction of the Vulcanesti-Chisinau OPL effectively began in April 2024 and are part of the Power System Development Project, financed by the World Bank Group. Its value is 61 million euros, of which approximately 27 million euros is for the construction of the Line.

The construction of the Vulcanesti-Chisinau electric line is a strategically important project for the energy security of Moldova. The new power line will allow the transport of electricity from Romania or other European markets to Chisinau, without passing through the Moldovan power plant located in the Transnistrian region.