Moldova will build new interconnection lines with Romania and Ukraine to strengthen regional connectivity and enable the integration of future renewable energy capacities. These include the Vulcănești–Smârdan, Comrat–Smârdan, and Vulcănești–Artsyz interconnection projects. The new energy infrastructure development goals were presented by Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu during the sixth meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), which he attended at the invitation of the Atlantic Council, alongside senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State for Energy Chris Wright and Secretary of State for Home Affairs Doug Burgum.

The event, held last week in Athens, brought together energy ministers, representatives of European and American institutions, international organizations, and major energy companies to discuss the challenges and opportunities of transatlantic cooperation in the energy sector.

The ministerial meeting, themed “Connecting Europe: Secure, Smart, and Resilient Energy Networks”, offered the Republic of Moldova a platform to present its significant progress in energy security and integration into the European energy network.

In his address, Minister Dorin Junghietu emphasized that Moldova is no longer dependent on Russian gas, having shifted to purchasing all its gas from international markets, and highlighted that the country is transforming from a vulnerable consumer into an active regional partner and a contributor to Europe’s energy stability.

“Just three years ago, Moldova depended almost entirely on a single gas supplier. Today, that chapter is closed. We have proven that determination, cooperation, and a European vision can turn vulnerability into resilience and independence,” said Dorin Junghietu.

Major progress was also presented in the country’s electricity interconnection projects — Vulcănești–Chișinău (400 kV), which is 90% complete and scheduled for commissioning by the end of the year, and Bălți–Suceava, which will be completed in 2027. These projects will enhance the stability of the national grid, increase cross-border exchange capacity, and accelerate Moldova’s integration into the European ENTSO-E network.

The minister also expressed gratitude to Romania and the European Union for their continuous support in ensuring Moldova’s energy security, including the EU grant of €15.4 million for the Vulcănești–Chișinău interconnection. He also thanked the United States for the $130 million grant for the construction of the Strășeni–Gutinaș (400 kV) line — a strategic investment that strengthens Moldova’s integration into the European energy market and supports regional stability.

The official further highlighted the deepening cooperation with Ukraine, mentioning the inclusion of the Bălți–Dnestrovsk Power Plant (330 kV) line in the list of Projects of Energy Community Interest (PECI), a step that will boost transfer capacity and enhance supply security in both countries.

Another key topic was the digitalization of the energy system through the national smart metering program, carried out with the support of the Government of Italy and UNDP, which will allow for the installation of 60,000 smart meters by 2027. This initiative lays the foundation for a modern, flexible, and consumer-oriented energy system.

Moldova was also highlighted as a key partner in the Vertical Gas Corridor, which connects Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, enabling bidirectional natural gas flows and reinforcing the region’s energy resilience.

“Today, energy is more than just an economic sector – it is a guarantee of freedom, a pillar of security, and an instrument of solidarity. Every interconnection we build makes us stronger, as nations and as a region,” the minister concluded.

Moldova’s participation in the P-TEC meeting reaffirms the country’s firm commitment to working alongside its European and transatlantic partners to build a secure, smart, and resilient energy system based on cooperation, innovation, and mutual trust.