The construction of the Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line (LEA) is advancing steadily, with approximately 160 foundations completed and the assembly of the first pylons already underway. Multiple work sites are active simultaneously, involving teams both on foundation works and pylon assembly.
The project’s progress was showcased during a press tour, where Energy Minister Victor Parlicov emphasized the long-awaited nature of this initiative: “This power line will reduce our dependency on the critical infrastructure located on the left bank of the Dniester River, ensuring energy supply for consumers across the Republic of Moldova regardless of situations beyond our control there. Ultimately, once we complete the other two interconnection lines with Romania — Bălți-Suceava and Strășeni-Gutinaș — we will integrate Moldova’s energy market into the European energy market.”
Ruslan Surugiu, Director of the Consolidated Unit for Implementation and Monitoring of Energy Projects (UCIPE), noted the ongoing efforts to complete the line by the end of 2025 as scheduled. Regarding expropriation, compensation for the lands needed for construction is currently underway in 25 out of 34 localities. “For the districts where works are ongoing, over 76% of land has already been compensated. The people are satisfied with the process and the compensation amounts. We have positive momentum, also thanks to the support of local public authorities and the general population.”
The power line construction is part of a larger project that also includes modernizing the Chișinău electrical substation and expanding the Vulcănești substation, highlighted Sergiu Carmanschi, Deputy Director of ÎS Moldelectrica: “The 400 kV LEA will connect the Vulcănești and Chișinău substations. Modernization works at the Chișinău substation are already underway, including the installation of 400-to-330 kV autotransformers and primary equipment at both 400 kV and 330 kV levels to enable the connection. The third component, currently under tender, involves extending the Vulcănești substation through the addition of a 400 kV cell.”
Construction began in April this year. The project is part of urgent government and Ministry of Energy measures aimed at securing the country’s energy supply. Depending on the operating mode of the electric system, the LEA will support a transit flow of up to 630 MVA, limited only by the capacity of the transformers at the Chișinău substation — enough to cover over 50% of consumption during peak demand periods.
The total value of the Electric System Development Project (PDSE) is 61 million euros, with about 27 million euros allocated specifically for the line construction. The World Bank finances the project, with ÎS Moldelectrica and energy consumers as beneficiaries.