Construction works for Strășeni–Gutinaș power line and modernization of Strășeni substation declared public utility of national interest

Chișinău, November 5, 2026 – Parliament voted in the second reading on the draft law declaring the construction works for 400 kV Strășeni–Gutinaș overhead power line and the modernization of 330 kV Strășeni substation to be of public utility in the national interest.

The draft law provides for exemptions from certain general and special rules, which are necessary to accelerate the administrative procedures related to the expropriation and implementation of this project of national interest. Accordingly, the procedures for issuing permits have been expedited, a special expropriation procedure will be applied, and the issuance of permits for the placement of facilities in public road areas will be accelerated. The document also expressly regulates the procedures required for harvesting timber and carrying out the deforestation necessary for the implementation of the project. At the same time, construction works in areas with archaeological heritage may be carried out only after completion of the archaeological clearance procedure.

The Institute for Territorial Planning (IPOT) will initiate the process of forming immovable property assets along the entire route of the power line, while the works will be carried out based on feasibility studies.

Compensation for losses caused by the expropriation of land required for the construction of the power line and modernization of the substation will be paid at market value, with the amount granted not being lower than the normative value calculated in accordance with the reference price.

The project to construct the 400 kV Strășeni–Gutinaș overhead power line and modernize the 330 kV Strășeni substation will contribute to stabilizing and improving the interconnection of electricity transmission and supply systems in Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region. At the same time, the project will facilitate the integration of the Republic of Moldova’s electricity grid into the European Union market. The power line will be approximately 70 km long within the territory of our country and will cross 25 localities in the districts of Strășeni, Călărași, Nisporeni, and Hâncești. The works are scheduled for completion in 2032.

Previously, in 2025, the commitment of the Government of the United States of America to allocate USD 130 million to finance the construction of the 400 kV Strășeni–Gutinaș overhead power line was made public. The technical details, cost structure, and components to be covered by the mentioned amount will be established during negotiations and the signing of the Financing Agreement.

 

Communication and Public Relations Department of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova