Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu visited the Chișinău Substation today to assess the progress of works and compliance with the deadlines assumed by the contractor under the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line construction project.

The visit also focused on the preparations required to complete the works and commission the energy infrastructure.

During discussions with representatives of the company responsible for carrying out the works, the Minister reiterated the importance of completing on time all works at the substation required to initiate the line energization process. He also stressed that the contractual penalties stipulated in the contract would be applied in the event of failure to meet the established deadlines.

Project representatives reported that, at the Chișinău Substation, the assembly of the container and connection of the internal networks are in the final stage, while the installation of underground cable ducts and crossings is continuing in parallel.

At the other end of the line, at the Vulcănești Substation, the teams responsible for carrying out the works reported that mechanical operation tests of the primary equipment and the installation of teleprotection cabinets are currently underway.

The 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line is approximately 157 km long and will connect the 400 kV Vulcănești Substation with the 330 kV Chișinău Substation. The project is being implemented under the Electricity System Development Project, financed by the World Bank Group, and will enable electricity from Romania to be delivered directly to Chișinău, bypassing the MGRES energy node.

The total value of the project is €61 million, of which approximately €27 million is allocated to the construction of the power line.