The progress of construction on the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău overhead power line was reviewed during a meeting convened by Prime Minister Dorin Recean. The session included the project’s implementer, construction companies, and other involved institutions.

The Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of this infrastructure project for the country’s energy security in light of current regional realities. He urged all parties involved to mobilize and ensure no delays occur in the construction schedule. The deadline for the project’s completion and commissioning is set for December this year.

“With the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line operational, we will be able to transport electricity without passing through the MGRES energy node. This will deprive Russia of its last tool of energy blackmail over our country. Therefore, it is crucial to expedite the work and ensure its timely completion,” stressed Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

The Prime Minister also requested the construction companies—KEC International Limited and the consortium Siemens Energy SRL–Electromontaj SA–Energotech SA—to present an updated implementation schedule as requested and to report weekly progress to the Ministry of Energy and the Consolidated Energy Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit (UCIPE). During the meeting, it was announced that the Chișinău substation would be completed by August 2025.

To improve monitoring efficiency, representatives of UCIPE and the Ministry of Energy will conduct weekly or biweekly visits to the construction/modernization/expansion sites under the PDSE to record progress.

The overall progress of the power line construction stands at approximately 49%, including around 190 foundations and 30 assembled towers out of a total of 500. The construction site spans about 65 kilometers.

Construction work officially began in April 2024, following the design phase’s completion and approval and the fulfillment of pre-construction conditions. Currently, the work is underway in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia and the districts of Leova, Cahul, and Taraclia. The materials and components required for the power line construction have been produced and delivered at a 90% completion rate.

To meet the project deadlines, KEC International Limited assured that starting in March, with warmer weather, the number of workers on-site would increase.

According to UCIPE, work is progressing continuously, with plans to assemble an additional 50 towers during the winter months. However, the pace of work is dependent on weather conditions. Workforce and task planning will align with the agreed work schedule, ensuring the power line’s commissioning by the end of 2025.