The works to build the Ungheni–Chisinau gas pipeline will start in several months and are expected to be completed in May 2018, Deputy Minister of Economy Valeriu Triboi told a news conference, quoted by IPN.
“Next week we will have meetings with the Romanian side on the sidelines of the meeting of the intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation. We will look for solutions to accelerate the process of building the interconnections so as to meet the terms stipulated in the memorandum signed by Moldova and Romania,” said Triboi.
The costs of the building works were assessed at €83 million. €10 million will be provided by the EU. The other costs will be covered with loans that will be taken out from international banking institutions.
As regards the electric power interconnections, the deputy minister said that two of the planned interconnection lines that will ensure connection with the Romanian power system will be constructed at the initial stage. The southern interconnection – the Vulcanesti and Vulcanesti – Chisinau power line (back-to-back station) – will be built the first.
To ensure the coordination of works within the interconnection projects, there were set up groups of Romanian and Moldovan experts. An international consultant was chosen to carry out the feasibility study for the electric power interconnections. The consultant will start work in November.
By these interconnections, Moldova will be able to import electric power from Romania, which is cheaper than that purchased from the Cuchurgan Power Plant and from Ukraine.
