Moldova energises a new electricity route toward European supplies
Moldova has inaugurated the 157 kilometre Vulcănești–Chișinău power line, widening access to Romanian and European electricity supplies. Officials say the route reduces reliance on a narrow set of infrastructure and suppliers. President Maia Sandu nevertheless warns that high international energy prices continue to weigh on households entering the cold season.
Geopolitics··Evening
A 157 kilometre line opens in Moldova
Moldova inaugurated the Vulcănești–Chișinău electricity transmission line on November 8. The roughly 157 kilometre route links the 400-kilovolt Vulcănești substation in the south to the 330-kilovolt substation in Chișinău, Moldova’s capital. It facilitates access to power from Romania and the European market and reduces dependence on the Cuciurgan energy hub. Moldova’s Energy Ministry also announced the energisation of the line and associated substations. President Maia Sandu, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu, European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and World Bank representatives attended the opening. Officials presented the project as a way to diversify the country’s electricity supply routes.[1], [2]
Officials describe a route away from dependence
Sandu said Moldova had invested too little in energy interconnections during the first thirty years of independence. In her assessment, reliance on a limited number of sources and supply routes left the country exposed to Russian pressure and energy blackmail. She described the new line as the product of strategic decisions and sustained work over several years. Junghietu said the project had crossed several political mandates and crises. War in the neighbouring country complicated material deliveries, logistics and construction, he added. The minister described the intended benefit for citizens as a country better prepared to secure its energy and less exposed to vulnerability.[1]
High prices still weigh on households
Sandu also warned that improved supply security had not removed the burden of high prices on external energy markets. She said the government still needed to commit resources to easing household tariff costs during the cold season. Over the medium term, she expected international prices to normalise and investments in renewable energy and efficiency to reduce expenditure. Kos reiterated EU support and said the additional route expanded Moldova’s choice of electricity suppliers. In her assessment, more alternatives reduced the scope for using energy as political leverage and allowed the country to buy where electricity was cheaper. No specified timetable for lower retail prices accompanied the inauguration.[1]
