Energy independence: Moldova nears completion of €27M high-voltage link to bypass Transnistrian grid
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu announced that the strategic Vulcănești–Chișinău high-voltage line is nearing operational readiness. The project is expected to be commissioned by the end of May 2026, marking a decisive step in the country's energy decoupling.
Construction on the main line was finalized in November, with testing phases already underway. Currently, the Chișinău substation is over 80% complete, while the Vulcănești facility has reached the 70% threshold.
Strategic impact and resilience
The 157-kilometer line, often dubbed the "independence link," is essential for reducing Moldova's reliance on energy infrastructure located in the Transnistrian region. It facilitates a direct connection to the European ENTSO-E power market.
The infrastructure includes over 500 pylons and 1,500 kilometers of conductors. Once fully operational, the line will be capable of covering more than 50% of the country’s electricity consumption during peak demand periods.
Funding and implementation
The project is financed by the World Bank with a total investment of €61M (approx. 1.2 billion MDL). Roughly €27M of this budget is dedicated specifically to the Vulcănești–Chișinău segment.
Implementation is managed by the Ministry of Energy through the Power System Development Project (UCIPE), with the state enterprise Moldelectrica as the direct beneficiary.
Overcoming delays
Minister Junghietu attributed previous delays to severe weather conditions and global supply chain disruptions. However, work has since accelerated to meet the new spring deadlines.
"We are monitoring daily reports from the substations to recover lost time," Junghietu stated. Full-scale technical testing of the entire system is scheduled to begin between late March and early April.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
