Moldova, Romania to have new power interconnection line

Chisinau, March 6. /MOLDPRES/- Moldova and Romania will have a new power interconnection line. Today, the government approved the signing of a loan agreement between Moldova and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on implementation of Moldova-Romania Power Interconnection Phase II.

As part of the project, the construction of a new overhead power line between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, with a voltage of 400 kV, will be carried out, which will interconnect Bălți and Suceava municipalities. At the same time, an power station with a capacity of 400 kV will be built in Balti.

The document also includes an Action Plan aimed at reforming the energy sector that covers both aspects of updating the legal framework and aspects of the operationalization of the electricity market, including the establishment of the electricity market operator.

Under an agreement, a loan worth 30.8 million euros will be contracted, which represents a 40% co-financing of the project. Another 30.8 million euros are to be contracted through the European Investment Bank based on a loan agreement. Also, the project includes a grant component worth 15.4 million euros, to be granted by the European Union, through the Neighborhood Investment Platform. Thus, the total value of the project is estimated at 77 million euros.

The investment project's implementation will contribute to the integration of the network from the Republic of Moldova into the European Union market through connections with the European ENTSO-E network, increasing the efficiency of the national energy sector, improving the stability and reliability of the local and regional electric power system, as well as increasing the opportunities for the development of other sources of energy, including from renewable energy sources.