Vulcănești–Chișinău power line could become operational next week

Vulcănești–Chișinău power line could be put into operation next week if the technical tests proceed without problems. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu made the statement during 360 Degrees program, where he provided details about the final steps required to operationalize the project.

According to the minister, the commission responsible for accepting the construction and installation works was convened last week, while another meeting is scheduled for this week to assess whether the works have been completed.


“Last week, the commission responsible for accepting the construction and installation works was convened. This week, the commission is due to meet once again to confirm the completion of the construction works and allow the line to be energized, followed by 24–48 hours of testing to ensure that the entire project operates under voltage, and after that, testing under load,” said Dorin Junghietu.


The Energy Minister noted that, according to information provided by the contractor, efforts are planned through the end of this week to energize the line and conduct the first technical tests.


“According to what the contractor communicated today, the plan is to make maximum efforts by the end of the week to energize the line for the comprehensive testing of the entire project and, after the first test is completed, to proceed with the load test. If everything goes well and there are no surprises, so to speak, the line should be operational next week,” the official explained.


Dorin Junghietu said that if all checks are successfully completed and no unforeseen problems arise, the power line could become operational as early as next week.

The Vulcănești–Chișinău overhead power line, approximately 157 kilometers long and operating at 400 kV, is a strategic project for the energy security of the Republic of Moldova. The new infrastructure will enable electricity to be transmitted from Romania and the European market directly to the center of the country, reducing dependence on networks crossing the Transnistrian region.

The line will be able to transmit more than 50% of the country’s electricity consumption during peak periods. Construction of the line and work at the Vulcănești Substation have been completed, while acceptance procedures and technical checks are underway at the Chișinău Substation, which are necessary to commission the entire system.