Moldova has commissioned the Vulcănești–Chișinău high-voltage power line, which will enable the country to receive electricity directly from Romania and the European energy market, bypassing the hub in Transnistria. The 400 kV power line, dubbed the ‘Energy Independence Line’, was commissioned on 8 November — more than two years later than originally planned.
The ceremony at the substation in Chișinău was attended by Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Energy Minister Dorin Junghețu and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who is currently visiting the country.
Sandu stated on social media platform X that Moscow had “used energy for blackmail” for decades. According to the president, that era is over: Moldova no longer buys Russian gas and plans to build two more power lines to connect the country with Romania.
Marta Kos said at the ceremony that Moldova’s energy dependence is a thing of the past and that no country will now be able to dictate where it should buy energy at the most affordable price. However, the European Commissioner noted that the cost of energy remains a heavy burden for many Moldovan families.
The original version of this article first appeared on Glob-News.com.