The construction works of the 400 kV Vulcănești-Chișinău 400kV Overhead Power Line (OPL) are in full swing even in winter, with a progress of about 200 foundations, 30 pylons, the construction site being extended over a distance of about 65 km. Depending on the weather conditions, the teams of workers will be replaced, and the deadline for completion of the works is the end of this year.
The construction site was visited by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Constantin Borosan, representatives of the Consolidated Unit for the Implementation and Monitoring of Energy Projects (UCIPE), Moldelectrica State Enterprise, the World Bank and the media.
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Constantin Borosan, mentioned the importance of this project for the energy security of the state, including from the perspective of the possibility of transporting electricity from Romania or other European markets to Chisinau, bypassing the Moldovan Power Plant, located in the Transnistrian region.
“We want to ensure, on the ground, that the works on the Vulcănești-Chisinau power line are carried out within the established terms and we urge all parties involved to show maximum openness and efforts in this regard. Because this line has a strategic importance for energy security, I also urge all owners of land that are to be expropriated to show openness for cooperation. We are talking about about 6 thousand properties, many very small, but each affected person must be compensated,” the official added.
In turn, the director of UCIPE, Ruslan Surugiu, mentioned that the overall progress of the project implementation is about 49%, referring to a number of activities and important stages that have been ensured, including the start of direct work on the construction site. “Even in winter, the works are underway. If the weather conditions allow us, starting next week we will resume work on the construction of foundations, so that the works are carried out in accordance with the plan and the established terms,” added Ruslan Surugiu.
General Director of Moldelectrica, Sergiu Aparatu, mentioned that the works are supervised by both UCIPE and the Moldelectrica team, so that they are ensured at the highest standards. “Electricity from Europe already reaches consumers in the Republic of Moldova, but from the end of this year, with the commissioning of the Vulcănești-Chișinău OHL, we will be able to ensure a higher level of security in the supply of electricity,” specified Sergiu Aparatu.
The construction works of the Vulcănești-Chișinău OHL and the related power stations are part of the Power System Development Project, being one of the priority measures of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, aimed at ensuring the country’s energy security. The value of the project is 61 million Euros, of which about 27 million Euros are for the construction of the Line. The project is financed by the World Bank, the beneficiary being the State Enterprise Moldelectrica and energy consumers.