Business · Global · 8 hrs ago
Moldova launches power line to Romania as it ends Russian gas purchases
Moldova has launched a power line linking it to Romania and the European grid.
President Maia Sandu said on November 8 that the country now buys no Russian gas.
The new 400-kilovolt line runs 158 kilometres from Vulcanesti to the capital, Chisinau.
It will help Moldova rely less on the Cuciurgan power plant in Transnistria, a Russian-occupied region that has supplied much of the country’s electricity.
Sandu said Moscow had used energy to pressure Moldova, which is seeking closer ties with Europe and aims to join the European Union.
The link gives Moldova another route to buy electricity, including from whichever source offers the lowest price, according to the EU energy commissioner.
Two more power lines to Romania are planned, but the sources give no completion dates.
Moldova has launched a new power line linking the country to Romania and the European electricity grid.
President Maia Sandu said on November 8 that Moldova buys no Russian gas.
The 400-kilowatt line runs 158 kilometers from Vulcanesti to Chisinau and is intended to help diversify Moldova’s energy supplies.
The connection is expected to reduce reliance on the Cuciurgan power plant in Russian-occupied Transnistria.
Sandu said two more power lines to Romania are planned.
- Who
- Moldova, led by President Maia Sandu, launched the power line.
- What
- A new line connects Moldova to Romania and the European grid. Sandu said Moldova buys no Russian gas.
- When
- The line was launched on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- It runs from Vulcanesti to Chisinau, connecting Moldova with Romania and the European grid.
- Why
- To diversify electricity supplies, strengthen Moldova’s connection to Europe’s energy system and reduce reliance on Russian energy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Moldova’s parliament approved a government-requested state of emergency until November 20 as the country tried to ease gas shortages.
Moldova launched the Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line at an inauguration ceremony in Chisinau.
- Power line
- Vulcanesti–Chisinau
- Length
- 158 kilometers (98 miles)
- Capacity
- 400 kilowatts
- Launch
- November 8, 2026
- Planned additions
- Two more power lines to Romania
2 sources
What people are saying
For decades, Moscow used energy to blackmail us. No more: Moldova buys zero Russian gas.
Every time Moldova dares to choose something other than what Moscow wants, they threaten to cut our electricity.
buy energy where it is cheapest
Posts on X
Today we launched the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line, linking Moldova to Romania and the European grid. For decades, Moscow used energy to blackmail us. No more: Moldova buys zero Russian gas, and two more power lines to Romania are on the way. Thanks to all who made it happen.