Vulcănești–Chișinău line due by end-May; Junghietu warns: no delays
The Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu, issued a warning after an unannounced visit to the Chișinău Power Station regarding delays in the strategic project for the construction of the 400 kV Vulcănești-Chișinău Overhead Power Line. He emphasized that any delays will not be tolerated and will result in sanctions. Junghietu called for accelerating the work and strict adherence to the agreed-upon deadlines.
The official checked the status of the construction site and discussed it with representatives from the company responsible for the execution. They reiterated that the deadline for completing the work at the power stations is the end of May.
"Any deviation from the deadline will incur penalties. We cannot afford delays in a project that is crucial for the country's energy security," declared the minister.
He also emphasized the need to accelerate work in the upcoming period.
According to a press release from the ministry, work is currently underway at the Chisinau Power Station, where vertical systematization is being conducted in the 400 kV area to prepare the infrastructure for cable channels. Meanwhile, the assembly of the protective equipment container is ongoing, and work is progressing in the 330 kV area to adjust the connections between the primary equipment. Once the container is completed, the installation of protection cabinets will follow.
At the Vulcănești Power Station, most of the equipment has already been installed and connected, except for the measuring transformers, which are currently being delivered. The construction of the cable ducts has been completed, followed by the pulling of control cables and their connection to the equipment, as stated by the source.
The construction of the overhead power line was fully completed ahead of schedule in November. At the beginning of this year, comprehensive tests were conducted, including under challenging weather conditions, to verify the infrastructure's functionality and resilience.
The 400 kV Vulcănești-Chișinău Energy Independence Line, spanning 157 km, includes approximately 500 pylons and about 1,500 km of conductors, serving as a strategic connection between the south and center of the Republic of Moldova.
The project crosses eight districts and 35 localities and is part of the Power System Development Project, financed by the World Bank Group. The total project cost is €61 million, of which approximately €27 million is allocated for the construction of the power line.
