The National Power Grid Company Transelectrica SA is accelerating efforts to develop the electricity transmission infrastructure in northern Moldova through two major investments: the 400 kV overhead power line (OHL) between Suceava and Bălți—which will provide a new interconnection between the power systems of Romania and the Republic of Moldova—and the 400 kV OHL between Gădălin and Suceava. The latter, the longest overhead power line in Romania, is designed to cross the Eastern Carpathians and connect the historical regions of Transylvania and Moldova. Furthermore, the 400 kV Gădălin–Suceava line is supported by European funding from the Modernization Fund, amounting to over 492 million lei. By developing the electricity transmission network in the area, both projects create favorable conditions for attracting new economic investments and supporting regional development.
In this context, on October 21, a Transelectrica delegation led by Ștefăniță Munteanu, Chairman of the Management Board, met with Stelian Simerea, Vice-President of the Suceava County Council, and the County Council’s Chief Architect. Representing Transelectrica at the discussions were Dorinel Vladu, Director of the Investment Department; Dragoș Muntenașu, Project Manager; Virgiliu Ivan, Director of the National Power Dispatch Center; as well as representatives from the Bacău Territorial Transmission Branch: George Ababei (Director), Marius Danciu (Deputy Director), and Cristian Chiriac (Technical Director).
The discussions focused on the status of the two projects and the steps required for their implementation. For the Romanian section of the 400 kV overhead transmission line (OHL) between Suceava and Bălți, preliminary stages have been completed, and procedures to obtain the construction permit are currently underway. Given this, construction work could begin no later than early 2027. Regarding the 400 kV OHL between Gădălin and Suceava, the process of notifying owners of land located within the expropriation corridor has commenced, in order to proceed with the necessary steps for the investment.
400 kV OHL Suceava – Bălți: A New Energy Interconnection Between Romania and the Republic of Moldova
The 400 kV OHL Suceava – Bălți is a strategic project aimed at strengthening electricity transmission infrastructure and developing regional interconnections. The new line will connect the power systems of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, support the further integration of the Republic of Moldova into the ENTSO-E Continental European synchronous area, and contribute to strengthening the 400 kV national ring of the electricity transmission network. Within the territory of Romania, the line will span 93.3 kilometers and pass through 17 administrative-territorial units—six in Suceava County and 11 in Botoșani County.
The contract for the design and execution of the works was signed on March 11, 2025, with the consortium comprising Electromontaj SA and ELM Electromontaj Cluj SA, led by Electromontaj SA. The contract is valued at 133.4 million lei (excluding VAT), with a contractual execution period of 36 months from the date the commencement order is issued.
Under Government Decision no. 271 of April 23, 2026, the project was designated as being of national importance; the site location was approved, and the expropriation process was initiated. The progression of expropriation procedures and the acquisition of the necessary permits will facilitate preparations for the start of construction, which is expected no later than early 2027.
Gădălin – Suceava 400 kV Overhead Power Line: An Energy Artery Across the Eastern Carpathians
With a planned length of approximately 260 kilometers, the Gădălin – Suceava 400 kV overhead power line will be the longest of its kind in Romania. The route will traverse challenging mountainous terrain, connecting two major regions of the country—Transylvania and Moldavia—and contributing to the completion of the 400 kV ring in northern Romania.
The project entails the installation of 988 high-voltage pylons, 967 of which will be newly constructed. The line will pass through three counties—Cluj, Bistrița-Năsăud, and Suceava—spanning 40 localities. The contract for the design and construction of the single-circuit 400 kV overhead line, including its interconnection with the National Power System, was awarded in August 2025 to a consortium led by Electromontaj SA, in partnership with ELM Electromontaj Cluj SA. The contract is valued at 688.3 million lei (excluding VAT) and has a 69-month execution period, divided into four main phases: design; preparation and updating of documentation for required permits and approvals; procurement of construction authorizations; and the actual execution of the works.
Under Government Decision no. 270 of April 23, 2026, the investment was designated as being of national importance; the project site was approved, and the expropriation procedure was initiated. Currently, the procedures include notifying the owners of land located within the expropriation corridor—a necessary step for the continued implementation of the project. The project is supported by non-reimbursable funding from the Modernization Fund, amounting to 492,452,329.63 lei, and is one of 13 investment projects by Transelectrica backed through this mechanism.
By constructing this new line, Transelectrica aims to increase electricity transmission capacity between the country’s regions and facilitate the integration of power generated by wind farms planned for development in the Moldova and Dobrogea regions. This new major line will create additional capacity for transmitting energy toward northwestern Romania and toward interconnections with neighboring states to the west. Furthermore, the investment will help enhance the security of electricity supply in energy-deficient areas—specifically in northern Transylvania and Moldova—by establishing additional transmission routes. Strengthening the transmission infrastructure will thus support the safe operation of the National Power System and the integration of renewable energy generation capacities.