DOC // Government of Romania accelerates Suceava-Balti power line project, by declaring it object of national importance

The government of Romania today took another step for regional energy security, by approving the designation of the 400 kV Suceava–Balti Overhead Power Line (OHL) as a project of national importance. The decision concerns the section on Romanian territory and unblocks the administrative procedures necessary for the implementation of this strategic interconnection with Moldova.

The decision adopted by the Romanian government today not only confirms the project’s priority status, but also establishes the exact location of the works. At the same time, the normative act officially launches the expropriation procedures for all privately owned properties that represent the corridor for the high-voltage line.

According to the official communiqué of Romania’s government, the expropriation corridor crosses more administrative and territorial units in Suceava and Botosani counties. The amount allocated for compensation, totaling 185,251 Romanian lei (over 36,000 euros), will be provided from the state budget through the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism.

The Suceava–Balti line is considered a vital project for the integration of  Moldova’s power system into the European network (ENTSO-E). Its implementation is managed by the National Power Transmission Company Transelectrica stock company, which will coordinate both the technical stages of construction and modernization and the management of payments to expropriated owners.

By elevating this project to the rank of an object of national importance, the Romanian authorities considerably shorten the approval periods and allow rapid interventions for the construction, operation and maintenance of the grid. Once completed, the 400 kV Suceava–Balti OHL will ensure a stable energy flow, reducing Moldova’s dependence on unreliable sources and strengthening the energy axis between the two banks of the Prut River.