The Republic of Moldova and Romania will sign a memorandum of understanding to implement a project to interconnect the natural gas and electricity systems. The signing was authorized by the Cabinet of Moldova on Wednesday, IPN reports.

Under the Memorandum, the capacity to transport natural gas will be increased and the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline will be extended by building a gas transmission pipeline - Chisinau Belt. The Ministry of Energy said the goal is projected to be achieved by the end of 2031. 

Also, Moldova and Romania will build a 400 kV Suceava – Balti Overhead Power Line. As part of this, both sides will carry out a joint system study to identify the best approach to the construction, which will become the third interconnection line at the voltage level of 400 kV between the two countries. An extension of the current 400 kV Suceava and the 400 kV Balti stations is also planned. The existing 110kV Huși-Cioara electricity interconnection line will be developed.

The memorandum will ensure conditions for designating OPCOM SA the electricity market operator of Moldova so as to integrate the national electricity market into the EU’s internal electricity market by coupling the markets.

For its part, Moldelectrica will integrate into the balancing market administered by CNTEE Transelectrica SA.

“The advancing of the investment projects stipulated in the memorandum will enable to increase the security of the supply of energy resources to the Republic of Moldova and Romania and will contribute to diversifying the supply sources and routes at regional level,” secretary of state Cristina Pereteatcu stated in the Cabinet’s meeting.