Artsyz–Isaccea Power Line: Ukraine and Romania Consider Strengthening Electricity Connectivity

Ukraine and Romania are discussing the construction of the 400 kV Artsyz–Isaccea transmission line, intended to improve the reliability of cross-border electricity supply and strengthen the energy resilience of the Odesa region. The project was discussed during a meeting between Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal, and European Investment Bank Vice-President Karl Nehammer.

The talks also addressed a separate Ukrenergo investment project worth up to €275 million to strengthen the resilience of critical substations. Other priorities included the physical protection of energy infrastructure, international financing and measures to improve the financial stability of the electricity balancing market. The €275 million figure concerns the substation project and is not an announced cost for the Artsyz–Isaccea line.

Ukraine and the EIB’s joint energy portfolio comprises seven projects worth approximately €1.26 billion, covering electricity network restoration and modernisation, infrastructure protection, hydropower recovery and reliable gas supplies.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research

For the Odesa region and Ukraine’s Danube area, the potential significance of this interconnection extends beyond electricity trade. An additional transmission route could improve supply reliability for ports, industrial facilities, pumping stations and logistics infrastructure. Its actual impact would depend on the line’s technical specifications, domestic grid development and substation protection.

Artsyz–Isaccea could become an important component of Ukrainian–Romanian cooperation, linking energy integration with economic recovery in the Lower Danube region. However, the project remains under discussion: the meeting announcement does not specify a construction schedule or a final financing model.