Moldovan, Romanian officials discuss projects on gas, power interconnection networks

Chisinau, 10 December /MOLDPRES/- Projects on interconnection of gas and electricity networks between Moldova and Romania have been recently discussed in Bucharest. The sides confirmed willingness to implement the provisions of a memorandum on carrying out the projects needed for networks' interconnection, signed by the prime ministers of the two states in Chisinau in last May.

The memorandum sees extension of the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline to Chisinau in Moldova and to Onesti in Romania. The agreement also provides for the carrying out of the first electricity interconnection between Isaccea – Vulcanesti and Chisinau. Subsequently, a feasibility study will be developed to start the second interconnection.

The project amounts to about 750 million euros, of which 421 million is to be invested in Moldova. The two projects on electricity interconnection are to be implemented in 2016-2019.

The experts groups from Chisinau and Bucharest stressed the importance of achieving the memorandum’s goals, as this would allow Moldova both to modernize infrastructure and integration into the EU energy market, and to ensure energy security of the country.

The Moldovan and Romanian officials coordinated their stances for a meeting on implementation of projects in the energy sector, due in Brussels today. Attending the event will be delegations of Moldova, Romania, European Commission and European financial institutions.

Presently, Moldova has four power interconnection lines with Romania, an overhead line LEA of 400 kV Vulcaneşti – Isaccea and three lines LEA of 110 kV. According to the Energy Strategy, till 2020, the future extension of the power network will include two lines of 400 kV of interconnection with the Romanian power system Suceava-Balti and Straseni-Ungheni-Iasi.

(Reporter V. Bercu editor M. Jantovan)