US to fund Moldova power line to boost energy security
The United States is to provide $130 million to build a high-voltage power line in Moldova, a move aimed at boosting the country's energy security.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dorin Recean ahead of a government meeting.
The new 190km line will connect Moldova directly to Romania and the European power grid.
Mr Recean said the new line would "eliminate energy blackmail" and "guarantee" the country's electricity supply. He thanked the US government for the "investment in Moldova's European future."
The Prime Minister recalled that previously, no investments had been made to reduce dependence on energy resources from the East. However, over the last four years, thanks to international partnerships, the country has been gradually building its energy independence. Moldova is currently developing several strategic interconnection projects.
He added that while little had been done in the past, strong partnerships had allowed Moldova to build its "true independence" in just four years. He said the new Strășeni-Gutinaș line would be the second high-voltage connection after the Chișinău-Vulcănești line, which is due to be completed this year. He also mentioned a third line, the Bălți-Suceava, which is in the design phase.
Two other strategic energy interconnection projects with Romania are currently underway in Moldova, aimed at strengthening energy security and bringing the national market closer to the European one. These include the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău power line, which is under construction, and the 400 kV Bălți–Suceava line, which is yet to be completed. These projects aim to diversify energy supply sources, bypass the Transnistrian region, and integrate Moldova into the European ENTSO-E network.
The Bălți–Suceava line will have an estimated length of about 48km and will cross 12 localities in the districts of Glodeni, Fălești, Râșcani, and the municipality of Bălți. According to technical requirements, a total of 145 metal towers will be installed along the route, of which 21 are tension towers and 124 are suspension towers.
The 157km Vulcănești–Chișinău line will create a strategic link between the south and the centre of Moldova, crossing eight districts and 35 localities. It is expected to cover 50% of the country’s energy consumption during peak periods.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
