Expert: Moldova will no longer rely on the Cuciurgan Power Plant after the Vulcănești–Chișinău line is completed
The completion of the Vulcănești-Chișinău high-voltage power line by the end of the year will enable the Republic of Moldova to reduce its dependence on the Cuciurgan Thermal Power Plant. In an interview with Moldova 1, energy expert Eugen Muravschi stated that integrating the energy supply with Romania will decrease energy security risks and remove reliance on infrastructure controlled by Tiraspol.
“It is a positive first step. Currently, we rely heavily on energy imports from Romania, but even the electricity we import passes through the Cuciurgan Power Plant. This presents a vulnerability since we do not have control over the Cuciurgan Power Plant, and the separatist regime in Tiraspol, along with Moscow, could potentially use this to their advantage. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate this vulnerability and establish a direct import of electricity from Romania,” explained the expert.
Eugen Muravschi, however, argues that the Vulcănești–Chișinău line alone is not sufficient to ensure the country’s long-term energy security. “This line is not enough. Plans are in place to construct the Bălți-Suceava line, and I hope we can learn from the experiences of the Vulcănești-Chișinău line to expedite the construction of the Bălți-Suceava line and make the process more efficient.”
The expert noted that the energy crisis has hurried the development of the Vulcănești-Chișinău line, and he remains optimistic about the announced deadline of the end of the year. “Given this experience, I believe the authorities will take all necessary actions, including deploying additional teams, to ensure the line is completed on time.”
The works on the high-voltage power line Vulcănești–Chișinău have extended over 120 kilometers. The line represents one of the most important strategic projects of the Republic of Moldova in ensuring the country's energy security.
The construction works of the Vulcănești-Chișinău line began in March, and the authorities promise that they will be completed by the end of this year. The line will be 157 kilometers long and create a strategic connection between the country's south and center. Depending on the regime of the electric power system, the line will be able to cover 50 percent of energy consumption during the period of maximum consumption. The World Bank finances the project. The value is 61 million euros, of which around 27 million are intended for the construction of the Vulcănești-Chișinău line.
