Works on the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line Have Been Completed and Testing Has Begun Ahead of Commissioning

Construction works on the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line and the associated infrastructure have been completed, with the Energy Independence Line entering the final testing stage ahead of its commissioning for commercial operation.

Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu conducted another working visit today to the Chișinău Substation to personally inspect the progress of the works and the ongoing technical tests.

“We promised that the Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line would be completed by the end of June, and today we can say that all works have been completed. The most important stage is now ahead – testing and commissioning the entire infrastructure under maximum safety conditions,” said Minister Dorin Junghietu.

Testing of the equipment and installations at the Chișinău Substation began last week, an essential stage before the facility is commissioned. At the same time, all towers and spans along the Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line were inspected and tested, with the results confirming the high quality of the works.

At the Vulcănești Substation, testing has already been completed, while a new important technical stage is scheduled for the end of this week: energizing the new 400 kV bay as a preparatory measure for the comprehensive testing of the entire infrastructure.

These operations are being coordinated with the electricity transmission system operators of neighbouring countries to ensure that they are carried out under maximum safety conditions. The process includes synchronizing operational activities, confirming the operating regimes of the National Power System, validating safety measures, and establishing the operational sequences required to energize the new transmission infrastructure.

According to the schedule agreed with the contractors, commercial operation of the Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line is planned for the end of August, following the completion of all tests and acceptance procedures.

The 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line represents the most important investment in the electricity transmission infrastructure of the Republic of Moldova in recent decades. Once commissioned, it will be able to carry more than 50% of the country’s electricity consumption and will enable electricity imports from Romania and the European market without transiting the MGRES energy hub in the Transnistrian region, thereby strengthening the energy security and independence of the Republic of Moldova.