Moldova to Build New Power Grid Connections with Romania and Ukraine

This was announced by Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu at the sixth meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), held last week in Athens, according to the Ministry of Energy. According to the head of the Ministry of Energy, this will strengthen the regional energy system and ensure the integration of future renewable energy capacities, reports bani.md. Among the priority projects are the Vulcanesti-Smardan, Comrat-Smardan and Vulcanesti-Artsyz lines. The forum in Athens brought together energy ministers, representatives of the EU and the US, international organizations and major energy companies. Under the slogan “Connecting Europe: secure, smart and sustainable energy networks”, the meeting provided Moldova with a platform to showcase its progress in the field of energy security and connection to the European energy system. In his speech, Junghietu emphasized that Moldova no longer depends on Russian gas, purchasing all of its gas on international markets. “Three years ago, Moldova was almost entirely dependent on a single gas supplier. Today, that chapter is over. We have proven that determination, cooperation and a European vision can turn vulnerability into sustainability and independence,” the minister said. According to him, construction of the Vulcanesti-Chisinau line (400 kV) is 90% complete and will be commissioned by the end of the year, while the Balti-Suceava connection is planned for 2027. These projects will enable Moldova to fully integrate into the European energy network ENTSO-E. Junghietu thanked Romania and the European Union for their continued support, including a €15.4 million EU grant for the Vulcanesti-Chisinau project, as well as the United States for a $130 million grant for the construction of the Straseni-Gutinas (400 kV), which is of strategic importance for the region’s energy security. Cooperation with Ukraine remains a key priority. The Balti-Dnistrovska HPP (330 kV) line has been included in the list of energy community projects (PECI), which will strengthen electricity exchange and increase the stability of both countries’ networks. Another area of modernization is the digitalization of the energy sector. The government is preparing to install 60,000 smart meters by 2027 as part of a national programmed implemented with the support of Italy and the UNDP.