Commissioning of Vulcanesti-Chisinau Power Line Postponed Until End of March

The commissioning of the 400 kV Vulcanesti-Chisinau overhead power line has been postponed again, despite the fact that the project was presented as strategically important for the energy security of the Republic of Moldova. During the campaign ahead of the 28 October parliamentary elections, former Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that the line would be operational by the end of 2025, but this deadline was not met. Later, in February, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu announced the completion of the work, but the deadline was postponed again, this time until the end of March, according to rupor.md, citing bani.md. Dorin Junghietu, a guest on the Cabinetul din umbră program on Jurnal TV, explained that the initial estimates were based on technical assumptions that did not take into account possible difficulties that arose later. According to the minister, “completely unforeseen” weather conditions were recorded in October and November, which hampered work, especially at power plants. An official spokesperson stated that construction work on the line had been completed at the end of November, and technical adjustments and testing carried out in January. However, the project also includes two power stations in Vulcanesti and Chisinau, where logistical delays were encountered, including in the delivery of equipment. “The ‘line’ refers not only to the power line, but also to power stations. There were logistical delays, which contributed to the extension of the deadlines,” said Dorin Junghietu, noting that despite the unfavorable weather conditions, contractors worked even at sub-zero temperatures. According to the minister, the new deadline discussed with entrepreneurs is March. As Junghietu clarified, “perhaps closer to the end of March”. The Vulcanesti-Chisinau 400 kV overhead power line, also known as the “Independence Line”, is 157 kilometers long and supported by 507 pylons. It is one of the most important energy infrastructure projects designed to reduce the Republic of Moldova’s energy dependence.