The European Union will provide a grant of 15.4 million euros for the Bălți – Suceava power line

The European Union will provide a grant of 15.4 million euros for the construction of the 400 kV overhead power line Bălți – Suceava, part of the project “Interconnection of the Electric Power Networks between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, Phase II.” The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova has ratified in first reading the Grant Agreement between Moldova, “Moldelectrica” and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), signed on February 6, 2025.

The EU grant will co-finance 20% of the project costs, which include the construction of the power line, the expansion of the Bălți power station, and the modernization of Moldova’s electric power transmission networks.

The project aims to enhance the energy security of the Republic of Moldova, particularly in the northern part of the country, and to support economic development by providing a reliable electricity service. In addition, it will increase the flexibility of the energy system by facilitating the integration of additional renewable energy sources. The Bălți-Suceava power line will extend 58 km within the territory of Moldova, and the Ministry of Energy is working on declaring the works as being of national public interest to accelerate the project’s implementation.

According to the plan, approximately 200 electric substations will be rehabilitated and modernized, and 10 transformers of 110 kV will be replaced. These investments will be carried out by the operator of the electric power transmission system. The project also includes consultancy for the implementation of the works and will contribute to integrating Moldova’s electricity market into that of the European Union.

The total project funding amounts to 77 million euros, with the EU grant covering 20% of this amount. Additionally, the EBRD has provided a repayable loan of 30.8 million euros, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) has reallocated another 30.8 million euros for the project’s implementation.