The construction of the Vulcănești-Chișinău Overhead Power Line (OPL) is advancing with approximately 160 foundations completed, and the assembly work of the first pylons has also begun. The works are being carried out simultaneously in several work sites, with teams of workers involved in both the foundation works and the assembly of the pylons.

The progress of the project was presented during a press tour. During the event, the Minister of Energy, Victor Parlicov, mentioned that this project has been expected for more than 30 years: “This power line will allow us to depend less on the critical infrastructure on the left bank of the Nistru River, to ensure that consumers in the Republic of Moldova will have electricity, regardless of the situations on the left bank of the Nistru River that we do not control. Finally, especially after we complete the other two interconnection lines with Romania: Bălți-Suceava and Strășeni-Gutinaș, we will integrate the energy market of the Republic of Moldova into the European energy market.”

The Director of the Consolidated Unit for the Implementation and Monitoring of Energy Projects (UCIPE), Ruslan Surugiu, mentioned that efforts are being made to complete the power line on time, at the end of 2025. Regarding the expropriation procedure, compensation for the land necessary for construction works is currently underway in 25 localities out of a total of 34. “For the districts where the works are being carried out, we have over 76% of the land already compensated. People are satisfied with the process and the value of the compensation. We have a positive dynamic, including thanks to the support of local public authorities, as well as the population in general.”

The construction of the power line is part of a larger project that also aims to modernize the Chisinau power station and expand the Vulcănești power station, emphasized the deputy director of Moldelectrica, Sergiu Carmanschi: “The 400 kV LEA will connect two stations: the Vulcănești power station and the Chisinau power station. At the moment, modernization works are already being carried out at the Chisinau Station. There are works to modernize and install 400 to 330 autotransformers and to mount the primary equipment on the 400 and 330 side in order to be able to make the connection. And the third component, which is now underway, in the tender process, provides for the expansion through a 400 kV cell at the Vulcănești station”.

The construction works of the line began in April this year. The project falls within the urgent measures of the Government and the Ministry of Energy, aimed at ensuring the country's energy security. Depending on the regime of the power system, the OHL will be able to ensure the transit of a flow of up to 630 MVA, being limited only by the capacity of the transformers in the Chisinau station, which could satisfy the need for over 50% of energy consumption during the period of maximum consumption.

The value of the Power System Development Project (PDSE) 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.