Moldovan parliament votes in first reading: construction of Straseni–Gutinas power line, modernization of Straseni substation to be declared of national public utility

Chisinau, October 22, 2026 – The parliament has voted, in the first reading. on the draft law on declaring the construction works for the 400 kV Straseni–Gutinas overhead power line and the modernization of the 330 kV Straseni substation to be of national public utility.

The draft law provides for exemptions from certain general and special rules necessary to accelerate the administrative procedures related to the expropriation and implementation of this project of national interest. Thus, the procedures for issuing permits will be expedited, a special expropriation procedure will be applied and the issuance of permits for the placement of facilities in the public road area will be accelerated. The document also expressly regulates the procedures required for the exploitation of timber resources and 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 the archaeological clearance procedure has been completed.

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

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

The project for the construction of the 400 kV Straseni–Gutinas overhead power line and the modernization of the 330 kV Straseni 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 Moldova’s electricity grid into the European Union market. The power line will be approximately 70 km long on the territory of our country and will cross 25 localities in the Straseni, Calarasi, Nisporeni and Hancesti districts. The works are scheduled for completion in 2032.

The draft law will be submitted to parliament for consideration in the second reading.

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

 

Communication and Public Relations Directorate of Moldova’s Parliament