The Cabinet of Ministers today approved an important set of legislative amendments aimed at strengthening and accelerating the development of electricity transmission infrastructure, adjusting and ensuring transparency in the authorization process for the construction of power plants, and facilitating the development of the balancing energy market.

These amendments come in response to procedural blockages reported by the Consolidated Unit for Implementation and Monitoring of Energy Projects and the Institute of Territorial Planning, particularly concerning the expropriation process of land for the construction of the 400 kV Energy Independence Line (Vulcănești–Chișinău).

“Ensuring a legislative framework adapted to the realities and needs of the energy sector is essential for the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and for our irreversible integration into the European energy market,” stated Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu.

To prevent obstacles in the implementation of this priority energy infrastructure project, which is part of the major objectives for interconnection with the European energy system, the Government has established a special procedure for the expropriation of immovable property and related rights located along the route of public utility works, identified according to technical documentation. Ownership and usage rights will be transferred to the state based on an expropriation act issued by the Government, allowing for the rapid start of construction works.

Specifically, in Băcioi commune, approximately 1.84 hectares of agricultural land required for the foundations of high-voltage line pylons will be permanently transferred to state ownership. Another 1.22 hectares will be used temporarily, with limited-term access rights, while nine plots of land will be excluded following a reassessment of construction needs.

At the same time, the approved amendments contribute to aligning the regulatory framework with the new Electricity Law by updating legislative references and modernizing the authorization process for power plants. Among the new provisions is the introduction of the requirement that investment projects for the construction/reconstruction of power plants with a capacity greater than 20 MW be preliminarily evaluated by the Council for the Examination of Investments of Importance for State Security, given the strategic nature of this sector.

Beyond infrastructure aspects, the legislative amendments also support the commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova through the Growth Plan 2025–2027. Thus, the draft decision creates the necessary conditions for expanding balancing capacities, essential for the stability of the power system and the efficient functioning of the electricity balancing market.