Moldova's 157 km 400 kV Transmission Line Officially Energized

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On November 8, the Ministry of Energy of Moldova held the official energization ceremony for the Vulcănești–Chișinău 400 kV transmission line. The project constructed a single-circuit overhead transmission line approximately 157 km long, connecting the Vulcănești substation in the south with the Chișinău substation in the capital, passing through 35 settlements along the route. The project was financed by the World Bank Group and organized and implemented by the Ministry of Energy of Moldova. Power has now been delivered to the line and associated substation facilities, and the project has entered the subsequent operational verification phase.

The project scope includes the 157 km 400 kV overhead transmission line, the modernization of the Chișinău 330/110/35 kV substation, and the expansion of the Vulcănești 400/110/35 kV substation. The line connects the southern and central transmission networks of Moldova. The national transmission system operator Moldelectrica is the project beneficiary, and the Energy Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit (UCIPE) is responsible for specific implementation management.

According to the project plan, the transmission line has a maximum transmission capacity of approximately 630 MVA, capable of carrying more than 50% of Moldova's national electricity demand during peak consumption periods. The new line will connect, through the Vulcănești substation, to the power supply corridor from Romania and the European electricity market, creating an additional transmission path to Chișinău.

The total project investment is approximately EUR 61 million, of which approximately EUR 27 million is for transmission line construction. The line and related construction works were previously completed. The Chișinău substation commenced engineering acceptance inspection on October 28, covering primary equipment, protection and communication systems, secondary circuits, and technical documentation. On November 8, the line and associated substation facilities reached the official energization milestone.

The energization ceremony was attended by Moldovan President Maia Sandu and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The Ministry of Energy of Moldova confirmed that the project has completed energization, and the related facilities have entered the operational commissioning and subsequent technical verification phase.