The land related to the 400 kV Vulcănești-Chisinau overhead power line (UPL), a project declared of public utility and of national interest, is to be expropriated and the owners of the land will receive compensation in accordance with Moldovan law. A decision to this effect was approved at today's Government meeting.

The line will increase Moldova's energy security and strengthens the interconnection with Romania by extending the Isaccea Vulcanesti interconnector to Chisinau. The construction of the line is part of the Energy Strategy to 2023 and the Roadmap in the field of electro-energy until 2023, and its completion is planned for the second half of 2025.

After the entry into force of the Government Decision, almost 900 plots of land in private as well as public ownership of the administrative-territorial units of Taraclia, UTA Gagauzia, Cahul, Leova, Cimislia, Hincesti, Ialoveni and mun. Chișinău (Băcioi commune) will be expropriated and transferred to state ownership.

The evaluation of the amounts awarded for compensation will be carried out by the Institute for Spatial Planning in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and the evaluation reports by independent evaluators.

In order to facilitate the expropriation procedure, ensure effective communication and prevent social impacts of the Project, Social Impact Monitoring Committees have been established at district and local levels, which will ensure community participation in the process of monitoring impacts, receiving complaints and assisting landowners.

At the same time, to ensure the right to fair compensation, a Grievance Settlement Commission is to be set up with the adoption of the Government Decision. It should be noted that owners who will not have the necessary documents (confirming ownership/other real rights over the land) or who, due to objective circumstances, will not be able to claim the compensation, will have the right to inform the Consolidated Unit for the Implementation and Monitoring of Energy Projects (UCIPE) and request support on the procedure for obtaining compensation.

The institution responsible for the expropriation procedure and Project implementation is the Consolidated Unit for the Implementation and Monitoring of Energy Projects.

The construction of the 400 kV Vulcănești-Chisinau overhead power transmission line (VULC) is part of the Project for the Development of the Power System of the Republic of Moldova. The project is worth 61 mln. Euro and is financed by the World Bank.