The United States is funding a new high-voltage power line between Romania and Moldova with $130 million. The „Trump Liberty Line” will span nearly 200 kilometers and strengthen the energy security and independence of the Republic of Moldova.
The „Trump Liberty Line” will operate at 400 kV and is estimated to be approximately 190 kilometers long, as reported by Ziarul de Gardă.
The section that will cross the territory of the Republic of Moldova will cover 70 kilometers starting from Strășeni, while the remaining 120 kilometers will continue on Romanian territory up to the Gutinaș Electric Station in Bacău County.
A new 400 kV electric station is planned to be built in the Strășeni area next to the current 330/110 kV unit, and the project also includes the modernization of the Gutinaș station in Romania, as mentioned by the cited publication.
Funds from Americans for the Trump Line
The United States has allocated $130 million for the project, with the funding provided entirely as a grant and intended for the construction of the new interconnection, as stated by the Government of the Republic of Moldova.
"This project will enhance the energy security and independence of the Republic of Moldova," conveyed the U.S. Embassy in Chișinău.
When Will the New Line Be Completed
Although the "Trump Liberty Line" has received American funding and the working group has been launched, actual construction has not yet begun. So far, the feasibility study and the first stage of environmental and social impact assessment have been approved, announced Moldelectrica.
The final stage of the environmental assessment is currently ongoing, and after obtaining the necessary permits, the project will move to the implementation phase, which includes the technical project, building permits, procurement procedures, land acquisition, actual construction, equipment installation, and commissioning.
Moldelectrica estimates that the entire implementation phase may take between three and four years. Approximately 18 months are allocated for procurement, design, obtaining approvals and agreements, and resolving land issues. The actual construction, including site organization, testing, and commissioning, is estimated to take around 20-21 months.
The infrastructure is designed to operate for approximately 30-40 years.
Advantages for Moldova
The investment is expected to provide the Republic of Moldova with greater access to energy available on European markets and reduce dependence on a limited number of supply routes.
The Republic of Moldova imports most of its electricity through existing connections with Romania and Ukraine. Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have disrupted these deliveries in the past.
Trump's name has been associated with an increasing number of projects worldwide – including a proposed transport corridor through Armenia and a planned military base in Poland – as governments seek to curry favor with the American president, notes Reuters.