Moldovan energy minister pays unannounced visit to Chisinau Electrical Substation

Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu today paid an unannounced visit to the Chisinau Electrical Substation, where he checked the status of works under the 400 kV Vulcanesti–Chisinau Overhead Transmission Line project and warned that any delay will be penalized.

During the inspection, the official spoke with representatives of the company in charge of execution and demanded strict compliance with the agreed deadlines, emphasizing the project’s strategic importance for the energy security of Moldova.

“The works at the electrical substations must be completed by the end of next May. Any deviation from the deadline will lead to penalties. We cannot allow delays in a project of strategic importance for the country’s energy security,” said Dorin Junghietu.

The minister insisted on accelerating the work pace on the coming period, noting that the authorities would closely monitor the progress on the construction sites.

According to the Energy Ministry, at the Chișinău Electrical Substation, vertical systematization works are underway in the 400 kV area, necessary to prepare the infrastructure for the cable ducting channels. In parallel, assembly of the container for protection equipment continues, while in the 330 kV area adjustments are being made to the connections between primary equipment. After the container is completed, the protection cabinets will be installed.

At the Vulcanesti Electrical Substation, most of the equipment has already been installed and connected, with the exception of the measuring transformers, which are in the process of being delivered. At the same time, works on the cable channels have been completed, and the next stage will involve pulling the control cables and connecting them to the equipment.

The actual construction of the overhead transmission line was completed ahead of schedule in November last year. At the beginning of this year, complex tests were carried out, including under difficult weather conditions, in order to verify the functionality and resilience of the infrastructure.

The 400 kV Vulcanesti–Chisinau electrical line, also known as the Energy Independence Line, is 157 kilometers long and includes approximately 500 towers and about 1,500 kilometers of conductors. The project crosses eight districts and 35 localities, ensuring a strategic connection between the south and the center of the country.

The investment is part of the Power System Development Project, financed by the World Bank Group. The total value of the project is 61 million euros, of which approximately 27 million euros is allocated for the construction of the transmission line.