The United States has approved a USD 130 million grant to finance the construction of a high-voltage power line linking Moldova to Romania, a project officials said would strengthen the countryās energy security and deepen ties with Washington.
The 190 km StrÄČeniāGutinaČ line will connect Moldova to the European electricity grid. It will complement the ChiČinÄuāVulcÄneČti line, due for completion this year, and the planned BÄlČiāSuceava connection, Moldovan president Maia Sandu said on Wednesday, September 17.Ā
Sandu called the investment āa decisive step toward the countryās energy securityā and a milestone in Moldovaās cooperation with the United States.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in ChiČinÄu said the project would not only reinforce Moldovaās electricity network but also open new opportunities for American businesses.
āThis initiative will enable Moldova to adopt and use American technologies. It will unlock potential in several sectors, including transport infrastructure, grid optimization technologies, information and communication technologies (ICT), nuclear energy, and battery storage,ā the embassy said in a statement.
Washingtonās support reflects its intention to remain a regional leader in critical industries, including natural gas, nuclear energy, and grid optimization, the embassy added.Ā
Officials said the project would enhance Moldovaās independence from Russian energy supplies by securing reliable access to European markets.
irina.marica@romania-insider.com
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