Moldovan PM describes starting construction of Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline as second step towards energy security

Chisinau, 18 February /MOLDPRES/ - The biggest project on energy interconnection between Moldova and Romania continues by the extension of the gas pipeline Iasi-Ungheni up to Chisinau. The works of construction of the pipeline Ungheni-Chisinau started today, in the presence of Prime Minister Pavel Filip and Vice Prime Minister for Romania’s Strategic Partnerships’ Implementation Ana Birchall, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.   

The PM said that the project was of national interest and of strategic importance. By almost one million cubic metres of gas per year was supplied through the Iasi-Ungheni pipeline. This means that the Ungheni city and another several settlements have enjoyed Romanian gas in the last years. After the implementation of the second phase and investments worth 93 million euros, the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline with a length of 120 km will be able to provide Moldova with all needed volume of gas.   

„Today, in fact, we make the second step towards the energy security and independence. After many years when the gas price was used as a scarecrow by those who were supplying it to Moldova, we are getting close to the day when this will no longer happen. Our country will be able to take decisions for the benefit of the citizens, without risking dangers. And this because we have the second alternative source,” the prime minister said.

Also, Pavel Filip noted that namely concrete projects connected Moldova and Romania even more. “The unification is symbolically occurring at present in this way as well. The unification is made through concrete projects and not by statements. Through connection to the Romanian gas system, our country is connecting to the European gas system. Romania connects Moldova to Europe,” the prime minister stressed.   

For her part, Romanian Vice Prime Minister Ana Birchall reiterated Romania’s firm commitment to further back Moldova in its European integration, including through energy infrastructure projects. “Romania has been and will remain the firmest supporter of Moldova. Through such strategic projects, we pursue the carrying out of an irreversible connection of Moldova to the European space and we want to contribute to ensuring better living standards for each citizen of Moldova,” Ana Birchall emphasized.   

The Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline represents the second stage of the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau interconnection project. The Iasi-Ungheni pipeline was set working in 2014 and now the gas pipeline is to be extended in the direction Ungheni-Chisinau. The implementation of the second phase of the project implies the construction of the gas transportation pipeline, three stations of natural gas delivery and endowment of the management centre from Ghidighici. The works will be carried out by the Transgaz company in a period of 23 months. At the same time, company’s representatives said that the gas pipeline might be completed in a one-year term.