Over €15M EU investment for Bălți–Suceava power line
The Republic of Moldova is taking another step to enhance its energy security and strengthen its connection with the European energy market. On Friday, June 26, the authorities signed a contract for the design, supply, and construction of the 400 kV Balti-Suceava overhead power line. This project is supported by the European Union through a grant of over 15 million euros.
The new power line will connect northern Moldova to the Romanian energy system, enhancing the resilience of the national power network, increasing energy transport capacity, and reducing reliance on a single source of supply.
"The signing of the contract for the construction of the 400 kV Bălți-Suceava overhead power line signifies our transition from planning and financing to the actual implementation of this strategic project. It is an investment that bolsters the independence and resilience of our power system,” said Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu.
The minister emphasized that recent years have demonstrated that energy security can only be achieved through interconnections and integration with the European market. Currently, the Republic of Moldova is developing three 400 kV power lines, each serving a unique strategic purpose.
"Vulcănești–Chișinău is the energy independence line. Bălți–Suceava is known as the resilience line, and Strășeni–Gutinași will be the freedom line. These three projects are not merely kilometers of high-voltage conductors and poles; they represent increased competition in the energy market, more choices for consumers, improved investment conditions, and deeper integration into the European energy market,” the minister explained.
The European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks, highlighted that the Bălți-Suceava line is more than just “a major infrastructure project.” It is also “an investment in the energy security, resilience, and European future of the Republic of Moldova.”
"This initiative is not simply about cables; it concerns people, stability, and a shared future. Each new connection to the European energy market enhances security for citizens, creates more opportunities for businesses, and minimizes vulnerability to external pressures,” noted the European diplomat.
This project is part of a larger effort to modernize Moldova’s infrastructure, supported by the Growth Plan, which has a total budget of 1.9 billion euros.
Giuseppe Grimaldi, the Head of the EBRD Representation in the Republic of Moldova, emphasized that energy security is a top priority for the institution. A European grant of 15.4 million euros, awarded through the Neighborhood Investment Platform, covers approximately 20% of the total project cost.
“This project is a crucial step toward strengthening the energy security of the Republic of Moldova. It aims to reduce dependence on a single source of supply and promote integration with the European electricity market,” Grimaldi stated.
Alberto Carlei, the Head of the European Investment Bank Office in the Republic of Moldova, noted that the Balti-Suceava line will facilitate the country’s integration into the European energy market, enhance energy resilience, and ultimately benefit the citizens and businesses of the Republic of Moldova.
Sergiu Carmanschi, Director of Moldelectrica, said, “The signing of the grant agreement and the contract for the design, supply, and construction of the 400 kV Balti-Suceava power line is a significant milestone in the implementation of the second interconnection with Romania. This is one of the Republic of Moldova's key strategic projects aimed at developing interconnections with the European energy system.”
The Director affirmed that the company is fully committed to executing this strategic investment with professionalism, efficiency, and the highest technical standards.
