Transelectrica starts two strategic projects: Closes Romania's electricity “Ring” and creates a connection bridge with the Republic of Moldova
Electricity transmission networks, Photo: Artinun Prekmoung | Dreamstime.com
The Transelectrica company announced, on Tuesday, the construction of two 400 kV overhead power lines of strategic importance for Romania's energy system. These investments, called by Transelectrica “flagship” and “historical impact”, aim to close the so-called “400 kV Ring” in the northern part of the country, essential for national energy security, and to strengthen the electrical connection with the Republic of Moldova.
It is about the Gădălin (Cluj) – Suceava Overhead Electric Line and the Suceava (RO) – Bălți (MD) Interconnection Overhead Electric Line, on the territory of Romania, according to a company release.
LEA Gădălin – Suceava: The longest line in Romania, bridge between Transylvania and Moldova
It will unite Transylvania with Moldova.
The 400 kV Gădălin – Suceava Overhead Power Line (LEA) will cross, over the mountains, three counties (Cluj, Bistrița-Năsăud and Suceava) and 40 localities, over a record length of 260 kilometers.
It closes the 400 kV main from the north, increasing the safety in operation of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) and providing an alternative supply route for the deficient areas in northern Transylvania and Moldova.
It will allow the integration and evacuation of the electricity produced by the future wind power plants from Moldova and Dobrogea to northwestern Romania and neighboring countries.
The design and execution contract, worth 688.3 million lei (without VAT), is partially financed from the Modernization Fund and has an estimated execution duration of 69 months.
LEA Suceava – Balti: Strengthening the link with the Republic of Moldova
The second strategic project is the 400 kV Overhead Power Line (LEA) interconnecting Suceava – Bălți, which will cover approximately 93 kilometers on Romanian territory, crossing the counties of Suceava and, for the first time for high voltage, Botoșani.
The project is considered crucial for the energy security of the Republic of Moldova, ensuring the diversification of supply sources. Through this line, the Republic of Moldova is interconnected to the European Network of Transmission and System Operators for Electric Energy (ENTSO-E).
It expands the energy infrastructure and will allow the connection of new production capacities from renewable sources in the north-east of Romania.
The project includes Botoșani county for the first time on the national map of the Electric Transport Network, through the construction of 302 high-voltage poles and a 400/110 kV electrical station. This fact opens up new opportunities for economic and social development in the area.
The value of the works on the Romanian portion is 133.4 million lei (without VAT), with an execution duration of 52 months.
The two projects are a commitment of Romania and create the opportunity for economic development for the north-eastern area of the country. Once completed, the two lines will complete a strategic axis Gădălin – Suceava – Bălți, creating an energy bridge between Transylvania, Moldova and the Republic of Moldova, said Ștefăniță Munteanu, CEO of Transelectrica, the release also states.
