Moldova Connects New High‑Voltage Line to Romania to Trim Russian Energy Dependence

Moldova officially opened a 400‑kilowatt extra‑high‑voltage power line to Romania on Sunday, a move aimed at reducing the country's reliance on Russian energy, President Maia Sandu announced on X.

What does the new line achieve?

The line runs from the town of Vulcanesti to the capital, Chisinau, and links Moldova to the European electricity grid, allowing the nation to cut dependence on the Cuciurgan thermal plant in the Russian‑aligned Transnistria region, according to Al Jazeera.

Who highlighted the economic benefits?

European Energy Commissioner Marta Kos, present at the inauguration, said the connection enables Moldova to purchase electricity at the lowest available price, Al Jazeera reported.

What are the future plans?

President Sandu said two additional power lines to Romania are already in the pipeline, reinforcing Moldova’s transmission capacity and further diversifying its energy supply, Al Jazeera noted.

The project, dubbed the “energy independence line,” arrives two years after authorities first promised the upgrade. Last month, Moldova’s parliament approved a state of emergency lasting until November 20 to address gas shortages amid rising global energy costs.