President: Energy independence means being able to decide for ourselves where we buy energy

400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău power line was energized on Sunday, November 8, in the presence of President Maia Sandu and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The 158-kilometer line and the two modernized electrical substations in Vulcănești and Chișinău directly connect the Republic of Moldova’s energy system to the Romanian market and the European grid. The country now has an additional route for transporting electricity and a lower risk of disconnection.

“Through this project, we are strengthening electricity transmission capacity, diversifying supply routes, and reinforcing the Republic of Moldova’s connection to the European energy system. For us, energy independence means being able to decide for ourselves where we buy our energy, without being vulnerable to pressure and blackmail,” Maia Sandu said.

The head of state recalled that, during the first 30 years of independence, the Republic of Moldova invested too little in energy interconnections, while dependence on a limited number of supply sources and routes came at a high cost. “Whenever Moldova dared to choose something other than what Moscow wanted, we were threatened with being left without electricity and heating. And there were periods when we were disconnected from the energy supply. The last time this happened was in the autumn of 2021,” the President said.

“The importance of this project goes beyond the construction of electricity transmission infrastructure. The line strengthens regional connectivity and creates better conditions for the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the European energy market. This achievement demonstrates the value of cooperation and our shared commitment to a safer energy future,” Marta Kos said.

The power line was built with €61 million in financing from the World Bank, through a loan agreement approved in September 2019 during the term of the government led by Maia Sandu, following more than a decade of discussions and efforts that began in 2013. The works were completed in November 2025 and were followed by technical testing, safety checks, and acceptance procedures.

The next interconnections with Romania are already being prepared: the Bălți–Suceava line, worth approximately €77 million and financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and a €15 million grant from the European Union; and the Strășeni–Gutinaș line, which will be built with grant funding from the United States. “Both investments will strengthen energy connections with Romania and the European energy system,” Maia Sandu said. At the same time, the Republic of Moldova is developing interconnections with Ukraine and investing in local renewable energy production and the modernization of its grids.

The President also spoke about the cost of energy for households. Prices on foreign markets have risen because of wars and regional crises, and the Government will once again seek solutions this winter to allocate resources to reduce the burden of tariffs on vulnerable families.

“I thank everyone who contributed to this investment, which is important for the Republic of Moldova, as well as those who supported us in this project. We have managed to solve a major problem: no one can blackmail us anymore, turn off the light or heat,” Maia Sandu concluded.