Republic of Moldova powers up new electricity link to Romania and European grid

The Republic of Moldova energized the new 400 kV Vulcănești-Chișinău electricity line on Sunday, November 8, in the presence of president Maia Sandu and European commissioner for enlargement Marta Kos. The infrastructure directly connects the country’s energy system to the Romanian market and the wider European grid.

The project comprises 158 km of power line and modernized substations in Vulcănești and Chișinău. It expands Moldova’s electricity transmission capacity and provides an additional supply route, the Moldovan Presidency said.

“Through this project, we are strengthening electricity transmission capacity, diversifying supply routes, and reinforcing Moldova’s connection to the European energy system,” president Maia Sandu stated.

“For us, energy independence means being able to decide for ourselves where we purchase energy, without being vulnerable to pressure and blackmail.”

Sandu said Moldova had invested too little in energy interconnections during its first three decades of independence, leaving the country dependent on a limited number of sources and supply routes.

“Whenever Moldova dared to choose something other than what Moscow wanted, we were threatened with being left without electricity and heat,” she claimed. “There were periods when our energy supply was cut off. The last time this happened was in the fall of 2021.”

Meanwhile, European commissioner Marta Kos said the importance of the project extended beyond the construction of electricity transmission infrastructure.

“The line strengthens regional connectivity and creates better conditions for Moldova’s integration into the European energy market,” she said. “This result demonstrates the value of cooperation and our shared commitment to a more secure energy future.”

The project was financed through a EUR 61 million World Bank loan approved in September 2019. Construction was completed in November 2025 and followed by technical tests, safety checks, and acceptance procedures.

Moldova is also preparing two additional interconnections with Romania. The approximately EUR 77 million Bălți-Suceava line is backed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and a EUR 15 million EU grant, while the Strășeni-Gutinaș connection will be built with non-repayable funding from the United States.

“Both investments will strengthen energy connections with Romania and the European energy system,” Maia Sandu said.

The country is also developing interconnections with Ukraine and investing in domestic renewable energy production and grid modernization.

“We have managed to solve a major problem: no one can blackmail us anymore, turn off our lights or shut down our heating,” president Sandu concluded.