Construction works for natural gas pipeline Ungheni-Chisinau start on 2 May

Chisinau, 26 April /MOLDPRES/ - The National Gaz Transmission Company Transgaz SA of Romania has signed the contracts on procurement of works dealing with the construction of the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline, for those seven consignments of the investment. The order on the beginning of the works will be issued on 2 May, according to a press release by the Romanian Ministry of Economy.   

„Thus, we make another important step to ensure the energy security of Moldova. This means that the country will be able to take decisions for the benefit of the citizens, without risks, as it will have an alternative source of natural gas,” Prime Minister Pavel Filip commented on the decision by Romania’s Ministry of Economy.

Transgaz makes this investment through Vestmoldtransgaz – the natural gas operator of Moldova, turned private in 2018 by Eurotransgaz, the branch of Moldova of the National Gaz Transmission Company Transgaz SA of Romania.

The carrying out of the Ungheni – Chisinau project was declared of national interest in Moldova. The project includes the building of a natural gas pipeline with a length of 120 km, three stations of natural gas delivery (two in Chisinau and one in Ungheni) and endowment of the centre of operative control, regulation and management from Ghidighici. The natural gas transmission network on the route Ungheni – Chisinau represents the second stage of the interconnection project Iasi – Ungheni – Chisinau.  

"Through the work of Transgaz in Moldova, we prove that we firmly support the pro-European integration of this state and the joint investment projects, as these are sure solutions for the well-being of Moldova’s citizens,” Romanian Minister of Economy Nicolae Badalau said on the occasion of the event.   

The first part of the gas pipeline, which corresponds to the Iasi-Ungheni inter-connector, was put into operation in 2014 and about 1.5 billion cubic metres of gas can be annually transported through this pipeline, which is equivalent to Moldova’s yearly consumption.  The extension of the inter-connector from Ungheni to Chisinau is a major goal for the Moldovan energy sector, as its connection with the gas market of Romania and the European one represents the first step to reduce the energy dependence, by diversifying the sources and routes of supply with energy and, implicitly, to consolidate Moldova’s energy security.