Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu paid an unannounced visit today to the Chișinău Electric Substation, a key objective within the strategic project for the construction of the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău Overhead Power Line.

During the visit, the minister checked the progress of the works on site and discussed with representatives of the company responsible for execution, reiterating the need to meet the agreed deadlines. The official delivered a clear message regarding the contractors’ responsibility and emphasized that delays will not be tolerated.

“Works at the electrical substations must be completed by the end of May. Any deviation from the deadline will result in penalties. We cannot allow delays in a project of strategic importance for the country’s energy security,” the minister stated.

At the same time, he stressed the need to accelerate the pace of work in the coming period.

At the Chișinău Electric Substation, vertical planning works are underway in the 400 kV area, aimed at preparing the infrastructure for cable ducts. At the same time, the assembly of the container designated for protection equipment is ongoing, while in the 330 kV area, adjustments of connections between primary equipment are being carried out. After the container is completed, the installation of protection cabinets will follow.

At the Vulcănești Electric Substation, most of the equipment has already been installed and connected, except for the measuring transformers, which are currently being delivered. Cable duct works have also been completed, with the next stage involving the laying of control cables and their connection to the equipment.

The actual construction of the overhead power line was fully completed ahead of schedule in November, and at the beginning of this year, complex testing was carried out, including under difficult weather conditions, to verify the functionality and resilience of the infrastructure.

The 400 kV Energy Independence Line Vulcănești–Chișinău, with a length of 157 km, includes approximately 500 pylons and around 1,500 km of conductors, forming a strategic connection between the south and the center of the Republic of Moldova.

The project crosses eight districts and 35 localities and is being implemented under the Power System Development Project, financed by the World Bank Group. The total value of the project is 61 million euros, of which about 27 million euros are allocated for the construction of the power line.