Moldova launches power line to Romania to cut Russian energy dependence

Moldova has officially launched a new power transmission line connecting the country to neighbouring Romania and the European grid, Al Jazeera and Українські Національні Новини reported. Al Jazeera stated that the project aims to reduce Moldovan reliance on Russian energy. Українські Національні Новини reported that the new line bypasses the pro-Moscow separatist region of Transnistria. [1][2]

Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced the project on social platform X on Sunday, stating that Moscow used energy to blackmail the country for decades, according to Al Jazeera. Sandu added that two more power lines to Romania are planned. Al Jazeera reported that the project strengthens Moldovan electricity transmission capacity, diversifies energy supplies, and reinforces grid connections. [1]

Moldova is a country of 2.6 million people situated between Romania and Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported. The outlet noted that Moldova historically received most of its gas from Russia through Transnistria and through pipelines running across Ukrainian territory. [1]