The works to build the 400 kV Vulcanesti-Chisinau overhead power line were launched on Monday in Congaz, ATU Gagauzia. The power line will cross eight districts, on a distance of 158 kilometers, and will be completed in 2025. Work is also underway on the following three interconnection lines with Romania and Ukraine: Balti-Suceava, Straseni-Gutinas and Vulcanesti-Arciz, in Odessa region, IPN reports.
The contractor received today access to the site to start the works, and the foundation excavation will begin on April 8 in the first three localities in southern Moldova – Congaz, Congazcicul de sus and Dezghingea villages.
The event was also attended by President Maia Sandu. “It is undoubtedly one of the most important projects since the declaring of independence, which represents a turning point between two stages – a Moldova vulnerable to those who can shut off gas or electricity at will, and an independent Moldova free to choose where to buy electricity, at the best price and without the pressure of political blackmail from outside,” noted the official.
Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov stressed that physical interconnections with Romania and, respectively, with the European energy system mean energy security and safe electricity supply to the country. “In order to integrate into the European energy market, we aim to implement three new projects that we are working on and that we have on the agenda of priorities – these are three new high-voltage lines: Straseni – Gutinas, Balti – Suceava and Vulcanesti – Arciz,” said the minister.
For his part, director of the Consolidated Unit for the Implementation and Monitoring of Energy Projects Ruslan Surugiu said that the Vulcanesti – Chisinau power line will consist of about 500 poles, positioned at a safe distance and height for people and localities.
“The full weight of the line will be practically similar to that of the Eiffel Tower, about 10,000 tonnes, and the capacity of the new line will be about 500 MW, which could satisfy about 50% of the country’s electricity demand during the peak load period,” stated Ruslan Surugiu.
