During his visit to Washington, Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu held meetings with representatives of the World Bank Group, where he discussed progress and challenges related to projects financed in the Republic of Moldova, TRIBUNA reports.

Talks focused on the Vulcănești–Chișinău Energy Independence Line, the 55 MW high‑efficiency gas‑fired internal‑combustion cogeneration project, as well as financing and implementation options for a new gas‑fired cogeneration plant of 250 MW (electric) and 180 MW (thermal).

The Minister reiterated the strategic importance of these projects, while World Bank representatives reaffirmed their support in identifying the most optimal and accessible solutions to ensure their continuation.

As part of the same visit, the Minister also met with a representative of Carlyle Group Inc., an investment fund managing over USD 400 billion in global assets, including oil and gas holdings in Europe. Discussions focused on Carlyle Group’s transaction to acquire the assets of Lukoil International GmbH (LIG) and on future development plans for these assets.

Minister Junghietu reiterated the Moldovan Government’s position, welcoming the company’s intention to take over the entire LIG business in the region through a specialized petroleum operator. He also noted that the Government is closely monitoring the approval process of this transaction by the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC Office.