Contract signed for the Bălți–Suceava 400 kv transmission line, called resilience line, marking another step towards the european energy market
The contract for the design, supply of equipment and construction of the Bălți–Suceava 400 kV overhead power line between Moldelectrica, the Moldovan transmission system operator, and the Turkish company SA-RA, the winner of the international tender, was signed today.
During the same ceremony, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, Moldelectrica, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed the Grant Agreement for the implementation of the project “Interconnection of the Electricity Networks between the Republic of Moldova and Romania – Phase II”, which includes the construction of the Bălți–Suceava 400 kV transmission line.
The agreement was signed by Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, Sergiu Carmanschi, General Director of Moldelectrica, and Giuseppe Grimaldi, Associate Director, Banking: Head of Moldova at the EBRD.
“We are building three transmission lines that will permanently reshape the energy map of the Republic of Moldova. If Vulcănești–Chișinău is the Energy Independence Line, and Strășeni–Gutinaș will become the Liberty Line, today we are taking another important step with the Bălți–Suceava project, which we have named the Resilience Line. It completes Moldova’s network of interconnections with the European Union and represents much more than infrastructure—it delivers greater energy security, stronger market competition, and more opportunities for citizens and businesses,” said Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy.
The new 400 kV overhead transmission line will extend approximately 45 kilometres across the territory of the Republic of Moldova and will pass through 12 rural localities in the districts of Glodeni, Fălești, Bălți and Rîșcani. The infrastructure will become a key component of the future electricity transmission corridor between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, increasing cross-border electricity exchange capacity and strengthening the security and reliability of the Moldovan power system.
„The EU is proud to support this project of national importance. With our €15.4 million grant, together with the EBRD and the EIB, we are investing in real benefits to citizen’s lives. It is about people, stability, and a shared future. Every new connection with the European energy market means greater security, more opportunities for businesses, and less vulnerability to external pressure,” said EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Iwona Piórko.
The contract is valued at EUR 17.5 million, with an implementation period of 24 months. The project includes the construction of all infrastructure associated with a 400 kV transmission line, including tower foundations, steel structures, conductors, insulators, protection and grounding systems, as well as the integration of the new infrastructure into the operational architecture of the transmission network operated by Moldelectrica. At the same time, all activities required to ensure compliance with applicable technical, environmental and safety standards for strategic energy infrastructure projects will be carried out.
The Bălți–Suceava 400 kV transmission line is a key element in the development and modernisation of Moldova’s electricity transmission network. Once completed, it will increase the country’s level of interconnection with the Continental European power system (ENTSO-E), enhance the operational flexibility of the transmission network, and create additional opportunities for regional cross-border electricity trading.
The project will also reduce vulnerabilities associated with dependence on a limited number of electricity supply sources and routes, providing the national power system with greater resilience and an enhanced ability to respond to emergency situations.
By developing this strategic infrastructure, the Republic of Moldova is further strengthening its integration into the European energy market and continuing its alignment with European standards and best practices for electricity transmission system operation and development.
“The signing of the contract for the construction of the Bălți–Suceava 400 kV overhead transmission line marks an important milestone for the electricity sector of the Republic of Moldova. This new interconnection will enhance the reliability of the national power system, expand opportunities for cross-border electricity exchanges, and deepen Moldova’s integration into the European electricity market. At the same time, it will strengthen the resilience of the transmission network and improve its ability to respond to the challenges arising from the ongoing transformation of the regional energy sector,” said Sergiu Carmanschi, General Director of Moldelectrica.
The total value of the project is approximately EUR 77 million, including a EUR 15,4 million EU grant, covering both the construction of the Bălți–Suceava 400 kV overhead transmission line and the modernisation of the Bălți electrical substation.
