Nov 9, 5:00 AM
Moldova Inaugurates High-Voltage Power Line to Connect with Romanian Grid
The new electricity link connects Chisinau directly to the European energy system.
Moldova has officially put into operation a new 400-kilowatt extra-high-voltage power line linking Vulcanesti to the capital, Chisinau. The infrastructure project connects the country to the electricity grid of neighbouring Romania and the broader European network, reducing reliance on electricity generated in the break-away region of Transnistria.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced the completion of the project at an inauguration ceremony attended by European Commissioner for Energy Marta Kos. Sandu stated that Moldova no longer purchases Russian natural gas and noted that two additional power transmission lines connecting to Romania are currently in development. According to Sandu, energy supplies had historically been used by Moscow to exert pressure on Chisinau during political disputes. Kos stated at the event that the line will allow Moldova to purchase energy from the most cost-effective sources available on the European market.
The newly operational grid connection permits Chisinau to reduce its reliance on the Cuciurgan thermal power plant, located in Transnistria, which previously supplied the bulk of the country's electricity. The launch of the high-voltage transmission line occurred two years later than the initial timeline set by Moldovan authorities. Moldova, a country of 2.6 million people situated between Romania and Ukraine, historically imported gas from Russia through pipelines running via Transnistria and Ukrainian territory.
The infrastructure launch coincides with domestic energy challenges. Moldova's parliament enacted a state of emergency valid through November 20 to manage natural gas shortages and high global prices. Some European officials have attributed rising energy costs to Russian decisions to restrict natural gas deliveries; Moscow's position on these assertions is not included in the source material.
Security conditions in the surrounding Black Sea area also remain contested. Authorities in Romania recently attributed a drone attack on a commercial vessel off the Romanian coast to Russia, which resulted in one fatality and three missing crew members. In response to joint calls from Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria, NATO confirmed plans to deploy extra maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems, and drones to enhance regional surveillance.
Written by Andreas Hofer andreas.hofer@alpineweekly.com
