The Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline was inaugurated on the Independence Day, on August 27, one year after the beginning of its construction. The officials attending the event thanked the development partners for their support, saying the ensuring of energy security in the country is one of the European integration objectives, IPN reports.
The gas pipeline was put into operation during the visit to Moldova by Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta and European Commissioner for Energy Guenther Oettinger. “On September 1, the Romanian gas will cross the Prut River, initially in a small quaintly, ensuring thus an alternative source. In a year and a half, maximum two years, we will have a perfectly interconnected system and will be then able to buy gas from the East and from the West, where the conditions will be better. Today, the energy in Romania is by 40% cheaper. I’m convinced that in two years we will interconnect the power supply systems. I want to say that these projects are not aimed against somebody. They are in Moldova’s interest and in the interests of consumers. Today’s event is in line with our European integration objectives,” Prime Minister Iurie Leanca said in the launch.
His Romanian counterpart Victor Ponta said the project was launched a year ago and many then doubted it that the gas pipeline will be built. “But we did it and I want to say that together we are more powerful and can do good things so that the people have a better life. The message is clear – Moldova and Romania need energy so as to be really independent. Together we can be really independent and can be respected for this. This is the message we want to deliver today to Europe and everyone. There is nothing more important for Romania than having Moldova near it in Europe,” said Victor Ponta.
Guenther Oettinger said the energy sector is very important for the social life and for the energy independence of Moldova. “This project is for the people, the economic part and for those who work in industry. By these projects that we support, we want to ensure a better life and better roads. Moldova’s integration into our energy infrastructure is very important. We will continue to take steps and will extend the electricity and gas projects. We will modernize these networks so as to ensure the highest level of independence in the energy sector,” he stated.
The Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline was built at a cost of €26 million, €7 million of which represents an EU grant. The gas pipeline, with a total length of 43.2 km, has a capacity of 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas. Initially, Romania will supply up to 50 million cubic meters of gas a year. For comparison, last year Moldova consumed 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
