A Memorandum of Understanding on the continuation of natural gas and electricity network interconnection projects between Romania and Moldova was signed on Wednesday (17 May) by the respective governments.
“Cooperation is essential in strengthening energy security and independence. Romania was, is and will be a supporter of the Republic of Moldova through the realisation of concrete projects. An example is the operationalisation of the Iaşi-Ungheni-Chişinău interconnector [completed in 2021] and the connection of the electricity system of the Republic of Moldova to the continental grid, strongly supported by Romania in European forums,” said Virgil Popescu, Romania’s Minister of Energy.
“And we won’t stop there. With the Memorandum signed today, we are starting a new stage of cooperation within the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova,” he added.
In natural gas, the memorandum sets out plans for complementary works to the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas interconnection, which will ensure the flow and pressure regimes for natural gas transit in both directions.
This will be done by analysing the possibility of increasing the transport capacity of the Iași-Ungheni interconnection and expanding the Iași-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline through the construction of a new gas transport pipeline (the Chisinau Belt). The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2031, Romania’s Energy Ministry,
In the area of electricity, Moldova and Romania will look to build a 400 kilowatt (kV) Suceava – Bălți Overhead Power Line. As part of this, both sides will carry out a joint system study to identify the best approach to the construction, which will become the third interconnection line at the voltage level of 400 kV between the two countries. Additionally, an extension of the current 400 kV Suceava and the 400 kV Bălți stations is also planned.
In terms of regulatory affairs, both sides plan to harmonise their primary and secondary legislation on the fiscal and customs regime in the electricity market rules.
