In a decisive move to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, Moldova officially launched a new high‑voltage power line connecting the country to Romania and the broader European grid. The 400‑kilowatt line, stretching from Vulcanesti to Chisinau, was inaugurated on Sunday in the capital, marking a significant step toward energy independence.
President Maia Sandu, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted the project’s importance: “Thanks to this project, we are strengthening our electricity transmission capacity, diversifying our means of supply and reinforcing the connection of the Republic of Moldova to the European energy system.” She added that Moldova now buys zero Russian gas and that two more power lines to Romania are planned.
The new line allows Moldova to cut its dependence on the Cuciurgan thermal power plant in the pro‑Moscow separatist region of Transnistria, which has historically supplied much of the country’s gas through pipelines running via Ukraine. By linking directly to Romania, Moldova can source energy where it is cheapest, according to European Commissioner for Energy Marta Kos, who attended the opening.
Sandu warned that Moscow has used energy as a tool of blackmail, threatening to cut electricity whenever Moldova chooses alternatives. The “energy independence line” was launched two years after the initial promise, signaling a long‑term commitment to European integration.
Meanwhile, Moldova’s parliament has approved a state of emergency until November 20 to address ongoing gas shortages amid soaring global energy prices. The move comes as European‑aligned states in the Black Sea region report renewed attacks attributed to Russia, including a drone strike that sank a cargo ship off Romania’s coast last month.
Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria have urged NATO to accelerate surveillance capabilities to protect commercial shipping in the Black Sea, prompting NATO to pledge additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones.
Source: Al Jazeera
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