The construction of new high-voltage power lines between Moldova and Romania will create opportunities for the export of domestic electricity, in particular renewable electricity.
This was stated by Energy Minister Victor Parlicov in an interview with Radio Chisinau, noting that, thanks to these power lines in the future, after the end of the war in Ukraine, Moldova will also be able to become a bridge between two large energy markets - Romanian and Ukrainian, a hub through which the electricity they need will be supplied in transit. But, first of all, at the first stage, new power lines with Romania will improve and strengthen the security of Moldova’s electricity supply and move away from dependence on the Moldavian State District Power Plant. The head of the Ministry of Energy recalled that now electricity from Romania can be supplied through the Vulcanesti-Isaccea power line, but in order for these volumes from Vulcanesti to reach Chisinau, they must pass through the networks of the Moldavian State District Power Plant. In order to get away from this dependence, the authorities are implementing a project for the construction of the Vulcanesti-Chisinau power line, which is financed by the World Bank. Work on its construction will begin in the spring of next year, and the line will be put into operation by the end of 2025. At the same time, by the end of 2027 it is planned to build the Balti-Suceava line, the construction project of which is financed by the EBRD and the EIB. As Victor Parlicov noted, part of the money has also already been reserved for the construction of another power line with Romania through the center of Moldova along the Chisinau-Iasi axis. After determining the best technical solutions, it will be built partly with US grant funds from the total amount of new gratuitous assistance of $300 million. The head of the Ministry of Energy emphasized that after the completion of the construction of these power lines with Romania, Moldova will significantly strengthen the security of electricity supply and will be able to receive electricity regardless of what will happen on the left bank of the Dniester. “Even if the entire infrastructure on the left bank of the Dniester cannot work, and the connecting lines with Ukraine are destroyed by the Russian Federation, we will be able to function. These connections have another meaning: not only will we be able to import the necessary amounts of energy from Romania, but we will also become an attractive destination for the production and export of electricity, including renewable energy. We do not have gas, coal or other energy resources, but we can produce and supply electricity abroad from renewable sources, in particular solar. We have investors who want to invest in the development of this line of business,” emphasized Victor Parlicov. According to him, in addition, after the end of the war in Ukraine, Moldova can become a bridge between two large energy markets - Romanian and Ukrainian, a hub through which electricity from Ukraine will be supplied to Romania and other EU countries, and vice versa from the European Union and Romania, to Ukraine, which will need more electricity and other energy resources in the process of rebuilding and reconstructing the country. The head of the Ministry of Energy said that Moldova can become a platform through which electricity will be exchanged, which will increase its own energy security. This could ultimately lead to an increase in income from electricity transit and a reduction in electricity tariffs for end consumers.// 30.10.2023 – InfoMarket.
