Transgaz company to get €46 million to increase capacity of gas pipeline to Moldova

Chisinau, 28 September /MOLDPRES/ – Company Transgaz will get a grant of €46 million from the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (POIM) for the development of capabilities of the National Transmission System of gases (SNT) in the north – eastern area of Romania, said on Friday spokesman for the Ministry of Economy at Bucharest, Alexandru Macoveiciuc, at a press conference, according to Agerpres.

"Transgaz will sign a contract in the next period to receive a grant of €46 million from POIM for the development of capabilities of SNT in the North – East of Romania. The development of SNT in the north – eastern area is a project with total values of almost €175 million, which is useful and relevant both in terms of overall energy security of Romania and development of interconnection with Moldova," said Alexandru Macoveiciuc.

He also mentioned that Eurotransgaz would publish on Friday the announcement for construction of the Ungheni – Chisinau gas pipeline.

"It is a project of €76 million, 35 per cent being own funds and 65 per cent – attracted funds. It is expected that by the end of the year, to be completed the contracting and signing phase for the works on the seven consignments of the gas pipeline. The completion deadline for the gas pipeline itself is 2019, and for the administrative complex in Ghidighici – January 2020," said Alexandru Macoveiciuc.

A communiqué from the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MEI) of Moldova states that Minister Chiril Gaburici appreciates the good cooperation with the Romanian side regarding construction works of the Ungheni – Chisinau gas pipeline. "The construction works are to begin as soon as possible so that the gas pipeline is operational by the end of next year. The completion of the gas pipeline is planned for the end of 2019. From that moment, Moldova will have two sources of gas supply," said Minister Chiril Gaburici.

The privatisation contract of the state enterprise Vestmoldtransgaz by the Romanian company Transgaz was signed on 28 March 2018, after Eurotransgaz and Romanian company Transgaz, as sole associate, was announced as the winner of the privatisation contest of Vestmoldtransgaz, throughout which Eurotransgaz has assumed the obligation to construct the Ungheni – Chisinau gas pipeline within up to two years and commitment to invest up to €93 million for it.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor L. Alcaza)