“Moscow has used energy for blackmail for decades”: Moldova opens new power transmission line

Moldova has taken an important step towards strengthening its energy security. On Sunday, November 8, the country officially opened a new power transmission line that connects it to Romania and the European electricity grid. The project is named the "Energy Independence Line." Its main goal is to reduce Moldova's dependence on electricity supplies through Transnistria and from Russian energy resources, reports the LETA agency citing AFP. ### "Moscow has used energy resources for our blackmail" Moldovan President Maia Sandu welcomed the launch of the new line, emphasizing its significance for the country's energy independence. > "For decades, Moscow has used energy resources for our blackmail," she wrote on the social network X. "This will no longer be the case. Moldova also no longer buys Russian gas," the president added. According to Sandu, the new infrastructure will allow the country to reduce its vulnerability to potential energy pressure. ### Why is the new line so important for Moldova? The high-voltage line connects the city of Vulcănești in the southwest of the country with the capital Chișinău. Its launch is expected to allow Moldova to abandon its previous dependence on the Kuchurgan Thermal Power Plant, located in the unrecognized Transnistria. For a long time, this power plant provided a significant portion of Moldova's electricity needs. However, supplies from Transnistria have not always been stable. In the past, they were periodically interrupted, creating additional risks for the country's energy supply. The new line will enable a more reliable use of electricity coming through the connection with Romania and the European energy system, without the previous dependence on the Transnistrian power plant. ### Largest investments in decades The implementation of the project required Moldova to make the largest investments in energy infrastructure in recent decades. At the same time, the construction took longer than initially planned. The line was opened two years later than the deadline previously mentioned by Moldovan officials. Despite the delay, the authorities consider its commissioning an important element of the long-term energy security strategy. ### How did Moldova depend on Russian energy resources? Before the onset of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, Moldova received most of its natural gas from the Russian company Gazprom. A significant portion of electricity also came from the Kuchurgan Thermal Power Plant in Transnistria—a region not controlled by the central authorities of Moldova and oriented towards Russia. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, energy security became one of the main priorities of the Moldovan government. The country faced the necessity of restructuring its energy supply system, seeking alternative suppliers, and strengthening ties with European energy networks. ### Energy problems persist Despite the opening of the new line, Moldova continues to face difficulties in the energy sector. In September 2026, the authorities declared a state of emergency in the energy sector for 60 days due to rising fuel prices. The new power transmission line does not eliminate all of the country's energy problems; however, it allows for a reduction in dependence on previous supply sources and increases the resilience of energy supply. 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. https://t.co/Q8OrgDbtBV— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) November 8, 2026