Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line close to completion; energy minister promises enhanced energy security for Moldova

Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu has informed that the high-voltage power line Vulcanesti–Chisinau was 90 per cent complete, and the project was set to be operational by the end of the year. The minister made statements to this effect at a programme aired at TVR Moldova.

According to the official, about 128 kilometers of conductors have been set, all foundations for pylons are completed and less than 40 pylons remain to be assembled and erected. "We are almost ready to complete the construction work," Junghietu declared, noting that all contractors are involved to finish the work by the end of this year.

The project also includes the modernization of the electricity substations in Vulcanesti and Chisinau, where new transformers and equipment are being installed.

"Work is ongoing in Chisinau on assembling the four transformers, and in Vulcanesti, the main metal structures have been installed. As soon as the weather allows, the setting of equipment will begin," the minister specified.

Once completed, the 400 kV line will allow Moldova to import over 50 per cent of its necessary energy directly from Romania, eliminating the vulnerability created by the current route through the Transnistrian region.

"We will no longer depend on that lever in Tiraspol, which can be pulled at any time and may become a tool for blackmail. We are strengthening the energy security of Moldova," Dorin Junghietu said.

The minister emphasized that the new infrastructure would not only ensure energy independence, but would also transform the country into a regional player.

"When there is a surplus of energy, we can direct it to Romania or export it to Ukraine, where there is high demand, because of attacks on infrastructure. Thus,  Moldova transitions from a state dependent on Russian energy to one that can export electricity," the official added.

Dorin Junghietu noted that the Vulcanesti–Chisinau line was one of the key elements of the energy integration strategy with the European network and the strengthening of the national electricity system.

The works of construction of the Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line officially 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 construction of the line.

The Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line, with a length of 157 km, will include over 500 pylons and 1,500 km of conductors across the three phases, creating a strategic link between the south and the center of the country. Depending on the electricity system regime, the line will be able to transit a flow of up to 630 MVA of power, which could meet 50 per cent of the energy consumption during peak demand periods.