Moldova launches new power line to Romania to cut reliance on Russia

What the report says

Moldova has launched a new high-voltage power line linking the country with Romania and, by extension, the European grid, in a move the government says is designed to reduce dependence on Russian energy. The inauguration took place on Sunday in Chisinau, with President Maia Sandu, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu and European Commissioner for Energy Marta Kos present, according to Al Jazeera.

The 400-kilovolt Vulcanesti-Chisinau line is intended to strengthen Moldova’s electricity transmission capacity and improve supply diversification. Sandu said the project helps reinforce Moldova’s ties to Europe’s energy system and noted that two additional power lines to Romania are planned. Kos said the new connection would give Moldova greater flexibility to buy electricity at the best available price.

Al Jazeera reported that Moldova, a country of about 2.6 million people situated between Romania and Ukraine, has long depended on energy routes tied to Russia and the separatist region of Transnistria. Sandu framed the project as part of a broader effort to end what she described as Moscow’s use of energy pressure. The new line also reduces Moldova’s reliance on the Cuciurgan thermal power plant in Transnistria.

The launch comes as Moldova faces ongoing energy strain, including a recently approved state of emergency aimed at addressing gas shortages and high global prices. More broadly, the story sits within wider regional concerns over energy security and Black Sea tensions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.