“Energy Independence Line” Successfully Passes Initial Tests

The 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău overhead power line, known as the “Energy Independence Line,” has successfully passed its initial technical tests and is now close to full operational readiness, according to Logos Press. This was announced by Moldova’s Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu.

In the near future, construction works on substations in Chișinău and Vulcănești are also expected to be completed. The total length of the power line is 157 km, comprising more than 500 pylons and approximately 1,500 km of conductors. The line crosses eight districts and 35 localities, ensuring a strategic energy connection between southern and central Moldova. It starts at the Isaccea substation in Romania, from where an existing transmission line already connects to Vulcănești.

Once commissioned, the Vulcănești–Chișinău line will be able to cover more than 50% of Moldova’s electricity demand during peak periods, depending on the operating mode of the power system. The project is implemented under the Energy System Development Project and is financed by the World Bank. Its total cost amounts to EUR 61 million, of which around EUR 27 million is allocated to the construction of the Vulcănești–Chișinău overhead transmission line.

IDR Commentary

Experts of IDR  emphasize that the commissioning of the Vulcănești–Chișinău 400 kV line has significance extending beyond Moldova’s internal energy security. For Ukraine, and especially for Odesa region, this project represents an important element of regional energy resilience in the Lower Danube area.

Strengthening Moldova’s energy integration with Romania and the European ENTSO-E system contributes to reducing systemic risks in border regions, increases the reliability of cross-border infrastructure, and creates additional opportunities for synchronizing energy and logistics solutions within the Ukraine–Moldova–Romania triangle. Under conditions of ongoing threats to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, such projects near Odesa region should be regarded as an indirect but strategically important factor of regional stability and long-term integration into the European energy space.