Mihai Melintei, Energy Analytical Studies
This analysis aims, in a constructive and informative way, to highlight the strategic importance of the energy interconnection between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, in the context of strengthening the security and stability of the Moldovan power system. The data presented below represents a logical continuation of the previous analysis on the technical state of the electricity grids of the Republic of Moldova, broadening the perspective to the cross-border dimension and integration into the European energy market. Through the arguments and data presented, the analysis aims to provide a solid basis for further expansion of the interconnection infrastructure between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, regardless of domestic political developments.
The Republic of Moldova is going through a critical stage in the transformation of its power system, driven by the need to reduce structural vulnerabilities and geopolitical dependencies. Situated in a strategic geographical position at the crossroads between the European Continental Power System (represented by the Romanian grid) and the Ukrainian power system, to which it still maintains a significant level of operational and structural dependence, the country has a strategic opportunity to strengthen its energy security by expanding interconnections with Romania. Until 2022, the power system of the Republic of Moldova operated as part of the Integrated Power System (IPS) of the Unified Power System (UPS), a regional structure that was not synchronized with the power grid of continental Europe. In the context of the geopolitical developments in February 2022 (Russia’s armed conflict against Ukraine), the power systems of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine were disconnected from the IPS/UPS grid. Subsequently, on March 16, 2022, the emergency synchronization of these systems with the European Continental Power System (ENTSO-E) was carried out. The action was coordinated by Moldelectrica, Ukrenergo and the transmission system operators (TSOs) members of ENTSO-E, marking a crucial moment in the process of technical and operational integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European energy grid. However, Moldova’s infrastructure and technical and regulatory framework are still predominantly adapted to IPS/UPS standards, which limits the efficiency and safety of operation in the new context. The transition to the ENTSOE-E grid involves a complex process of revising and updating the regulatory and technical framework, developing the professional skills of the operational staff, as well as upgrading the critical infrastructure to meet the reliability and security requirements of the European Continental European Energy System. An essential strategic element in this process is the development and strengthening of cross-border interconnections with Romania, which ensure both technical integration and direct access to the European energy market.
Current state of EEA interconnections of the Republic of Moldova
At present, the functional stability of the energy system of the Republic of Moldova is still strongly conditioned by the performance and stability of the energy system of Ukraine and the Cuciurgan Thermal Power Plant (MGRES). An argument in this regard is the interconnections of the energy system of the Republic of Moldova with that of Ukraine, which are realized through overhead power lines of 10, 35, 110 kV and 330 kV as follows:
| Voltage | OPL |
| 330 kV | MGRES – Novoodescaia |
| 330 kV | MGRES – Usatovo |
| 330 kV | MGRES – Podoliscaia |
| 330 kV | MGRES – Arţiz |
| 330 kV | Podoliscaia – Rîbniţa 1 |
| 330 kV | Podoliscaia – Rîbniţa 2 |
| 330 kV | Bălţi – CHE Dnestrovsk |
| 110 kV | MGRES – Beleaevka |
| 110 kV | MGRES – Razdelinaia |
| 110 kV | MGRES – Starokazacie |
| 110 kV | Vasilievka- Kr. Ocnî |
| 110 kV | Vulcănești – Bolgrad 1 |
| 110 kV | Vulcănești – Bolgrad 2 |
| 110 kV | Vulcănești – Bolgrad 3 |
| 110 kV | UZ Briceni – CHE Dnestrovsk |
| 110 kV | Ocniţa – Şahtî |
| 110 kV | Otaci – Nemia |
| 110 kV | Larga – Nelipovţi |
| 110 kV | Poroghi – Soroca |
| 35 kV | Etulia – Nagornaia |
| 10 kV | Mămăliga – Criva |
The interconnection of the electric power system (EES) of the Republic of Moldova with that of Romania is realized through The interconnection of the electric power system (EES) of the Republic of Moldova with that of Romania is realized through 110 kV and 400 kV overhead power lines as follows as follows:
| Voltage | OPL |
| 400 kV | Vulcănești – Isaccea |
| 110 kV | Costești – Stânca |
| 110 kV | Ungheni – Ţuţora |
| 110 kV | Cioara – Huşi |
| 110 kV | Goteşti – Fălciu |
The interconnection between the EEA of the Republic of Moldova and Romania is ensured by overhead power lines operated in island mode. In contrast, the connection between the EEA of the Republic of Moldova and the EEA of Ukraine is provided by overhead power lines operating in parallel.
Although Moldova’s energy interconnection with Ukraine is more extensive, as a result of the Soviet-era network configuration, the connection with Romania is a fundamental strategic priority, essential for full integration into the ENTSO-E system and for strengthening national energy security. The further development of energy interconnections between the Republic of Moldova and Romania is the key strategic element for strengthening energy security and increasing the operational resilience of the Republic of Moldova’s power system.
The current interconnection via the 400 kV Vulcănești – Isaccea LEA does not provide the necessary capacity and redundancy for an optimal balance between supply and demand, especially in crisis situations or in the context of the increasing share of intermittent renewable sources. In addition, the accelerated integration of renewable energy sources – in particular photovoltaic and wind power plants, coupled with a significant volume of electricity imports, can create major operational challenges, in particular in terms of balancing the system in real time and keeping the frequency within safe limits. This increases the energy vulnerability of the system and exposes it to geopolitical and commercial risks.
Risk categorization of the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova, with assessment of the level of impact
|
Risk category |
Description |
Level of impact |
| Geopolitics | The conflict in Ukraine is a major source of regional instability, affecting the integrity of critical energy transmission infrastructure on Ukrainian territory. Any damage to these assets may disrupt energy flows to the Republic of Moldova, given the parallel interconnection. | High |
| Geopolitics | The Cuciurgan Thermoelectric Power Plant (MGRES) – located in the Transnistrian region, amplifies geopolitical and commercial risks. This unit provides a key part of domestic production, but its location outside the full control of the constitutional authorities represents a strategic vulnerability. | Very high |
| Technical and operational | Outdated transmission and distribution infrastructure; lack of flexibility in power-frequency regulation; reduced capacities for rapid generation adjustment; limited integration of renewable sources due to lack of balancing technologies; overloading of the 400 kV Vulcănești – Isaccea line. | High |
| Commercial | Limited access to reliable and competitive alternative energy sources; capacity constraints on the Vulcănești – Isaccea interconnection; price volatility on the regional market; lack of an integrated trading infrastructure with the EU market. | High |
| Critical infrastructure | Insufficient interconnection capacity with the European energy system; lack of energy storage facilities; limited resources for grid modernization. | High |
| Regulatory | Not fully aligned with ENTSO-E standards; lack of necessary operational reserves; insufficient ancillary services to operate in compliance with the requirements of the European energy system. | Medium |
A detailed analysis of the current context of the power sector of the Republic of Moldova reveals the existence of the aforementioned structural risks and uncertainties, with a direct impact on the security of supply, infrastructure resilience and operational stability of the national system. This combination of factors places the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova in a vulnerable position, requiring strategic investments in diversification of sources, expansion of interconnections with Romania, modernization of infrastructure and creation of resilience mechanisms capable of reducing critical dependencies and ensuring long-term energy security.
The case for extending the interconnection with Romania
The extension of the energy interconnection between the Republic of Moldova and Romania is an essential pillar for the security and development of the Republic of Moldova’s power sector. In the context of the current vulnerabilities in the Moldovan energy sector, strengthening cross-border links with Romania is of strategic importance. This direction is not only aimed at diversifying sources and increasing system resilience, but also at full integration into the European energy market by aligning with ENTSO-E technical and operational standards. In addition, the modernization and expansion of interconnection infrastructure can enhance Moldova’s ability to ensure system balancing, access essential system services and respond effectively to external disturbances, thus strengthening the long-term stability and sustainability of the energy sector.
The Republic of Moldova and Romania are currently carrying out a series of major interconnection projects aimed at increasing energy transfer capacity, improving grid reliability and ensuring a deeper integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European energy system:
- Development of the 400 kV Vulcanesti – Chisinau power line and extension of the Chisinau and Vulcanesti substations. The project aims to strengthen the internal transmission network and ensure efficient operation of the cross-border interconnection between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. The initiative includes the construction of a 400 kV, single-circuit line with a length of about 158 km and a conductor capacity of 900 MW, sized to meet reliability and power transfer requirements. The new infrastructure will be integrated directly into the Vulcanesti and Chisinau power stations, optimizing internal power flows and interconnection capacity with Romania on the Isaccea – Vulcanesti – Chisinau line. The deadline for project completion is December 2025.
- The Balti – Suceava 400 kV Balti – Suceava 400 kV interconnection project, together with the construction of a 400 kV substation in Balti and the extension of the existing 330 kV substation. Mentioned in the Energy Strategy of the Republic of Moldova 2030, the main objective of this investment is to increase the interconnection capacity with Romania by commissioning an additional high voltage line. In parallel with the domestic grid reinforcements and complementary projects in Romania (including the 400 kV Suceava – Gădălin line), the new interconnection will increase cross-border transfer capacity by about 400 MW, will allow the competitive potential of renewable energy in Romania to be harnessed and will improve the security of Moldova’s electricity supply. The project implementation deadline is December 2028. In April this year, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted in the first reading the draft law proposed by the Ministry of Energy on declaring the construction works of the Balti – Suceava overhead power line, the modernization of the Balti 330 kV power station and the construction of a new 400 kV power station as of public utility and national interest.
- The interconnection of the Strășeni – Gutinaș 400 kV LEA, accompanied by the extension of the Strășeni power station and the introduction of a new 400 kV voltage level. The project envisages the construction of a 400 kV overhead power line between Strășeni (Republic of Moldova) and Gutinaș (Romania) substations, as well as the reconstruction of the existing 330 kV Strășeni substation, including the installation of a 400 kV busbar system and two 400/330 kV autotransformers, each with a capacity of 630 MVA. The line will have a total length of about 220 km, of which about 100 km on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The project is planned to be completed by December 2032. At the beginning of August, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Moldova approved the establishment of the Preliminary Investigation Commission for the declaration of public utility of national interest for the construction works of the 400 kV Strășeni – Gutinaș overhead power line (OHL) and the modernization of the Strășeni 330 kV substation.
Although the completion of the Vulcanesti – Chisinau overhead power line this year is an essential step, it remains imperative that the Republic of Moldova ensures the continuation and completion of the other two energy interconnection projects with Romania, regardless of domestic political developments, in order to guarantee the security and stability of the national energy system. The two projects will also help to eliminate overloading on the Vulcănești – Isaccea interconnection line and prevent the associated operational risks.
The arguments supporting the extension and completion of energy interconnection projects between the Republic of Moldova and Romania can be summarized as follows:
- Strengthening national energy security – the extension of interconnections with Romania will reduce Moldova’s dependence on the infrastructure located on the left bank of the Dniester river, with high geopolitical risk (MGRES) and on the Ukrainian system (unstable in the context of the conflict);
- Diversification of supply sources – through the development of interconnection projects such as the 400 kV Suceava – Balti and Gutinaș – Straseni power lines, the Republic of Moldova will have direct access to the EU energy market, benefiting from a wider range of suppliers and opportunities for energy procurement at competitive prices;
- Increased operational stability of the power system – additional interconnections with Romania will facilitate real-time balancing of the system and improve power-frequency control, which is essential in the context of accelerated integration of renewable energy sources;
- Full integration into ENTSO-E and the European energy market – the extension of cross-border infrastructure will accelerate the process of technical and operational alignment to ENTSO-E standards, allowing full participation in the European electricity market and access to efficient balancing mechanisms and ancillary services;
- Creating a robust operational reserve – the new interconnections will ensure rapid access to back-up sources in the event of an imbalance or major system incident, reducing the risk of blackout and ensuring continuity of secure supply;
- Boost investments and modernization of domestic infrastructure – the extension of the interconnection with Romania will boost the development of domestic transmission and distribution infrastructure, including increasing the flexibility of the grid, integrating modern monitoring and control technologies and facilitating energy storage;
- Resilience to external shocks – a denser and better interconnected grid will mitigate the impact of external technical, economic or geopolitical events, ensuring long-term stability of electricity supply.
The extension of the energy interconnection with Romania is a strategic investment with long-term structural effects, capable of transforming the Republic of Moldova from a vulnerable and dependent system into an integrated, resilient and competitive energy player in the European market.
Conclusion
It is the right time for Moldova’s energy infrastructure to be fully integrated into the Western network by expanding and modernizing interconnections with Romania and, implicitly, with the European Union. This strategic transition will make it possible to change the direction of energy flows from the historical pattern of east-west supply to a reverse, west-east flow. This redirection of energy will not only diversify sources and supply routes, reducing the vulnerabilities generated by over-dependence on regional infrastructure in the East, but will also increase Moldova’s energy security, facilitate technological and operational integration according to ENTSO-E standards and strengthen the country’s position in the European energy market. Energy interconnection with Romania thus becomes a fundamental pillar of the Republic of Moldova’s energy policy, contributing to the stability, resilience and competitiveness of the Moldovan energy system in the medium and long term. In addition, strengthening the energy interconnection between the Republic of Moldova and Romania is not only a strategic pillar for Moldova’s energy security and stability, but also a regional benefit, allowing Romania to transmit energy flows to Ukraine through Moldovan infrastructure, thus supporting the resilience and integration of the energy system of the entire region.