Moldelectrica announced today, July 6, 2026, the successful completion of the grid connection and initial testing phase of the new 400 kV bay at the Vulcănești Electrical Substation, developed as part of the “Vulcănești–Chișinău 400 kV Overhead Transmission Line Construction Project” by the Consortium of JV CELIN LLC, part of the Turboenergy Power (TEP) Group, and Energobit S.A.

According to the press release, during the monitoring period following energization, the company’s specialists verified the behavior of the equipment under normal operating conditions, assessed technical performance parameters, and tested the operation of protection, control, and automation systems. The results confirmed that the equipment is functioning properly and that all technical requirements established for this phase have been met.

Moldelectrica specialists are currently preparing for the second testing phase, which will involve energizing the Vulcănești–Chișinău 400 kV transmission line. This stage includes a comprehensive set of technical and operational checks in accordance with testing programs, operating procedures, and safety measures applicable to high-voltage installations.

“The expansion of the 400 kV Vulcănești substation is part of the energy interconnection project between Romania and the Republic of Moldova through the Vulcănești–Chișinău 400 kV overhead transmission line. In practice, we are contributing to the creation of a direct energy link between the two countries—an infrastructure that strengthens Moldova’s energy security and facilitates its integration into the European energy system. The successful completion of the testing phase once again confirms our commitment to delivering this project, which represents more than an energy investment. It is a real connection between two states, two energy systems, and people who share the same values and development goals,” said Emil Melinte, Site Manager at JV CELIN.

The approximately 157-kilometer-long Vulcănești–Chișinău 400 kV overhead transmission line will connect the Vulcănești 400 kV Electrical Substation to the Chișinău 330 kV Electrical Substation, strengthening Moldova’s national electricity transmission infrastructure and enhancing the country’s ability to operate its power system safely, reliably, and in full interoperability with the European electricity network.

The project is being implemented within the Power System Development Project, carried out by the Government of the Republic of Moldova through the Ministry of Energy and UCIPE – the Energy Projects Implementation Unit, with financial support from the World Bank Group. The direct beneficiary is Moldelectrica, while the ultimate beneficiaries are all electricity consumers in the Republic of Moldova.

The JV CELIN LLC Consortium, part of the Turboenergy Power (TEP) Group, together with Energobit S.A., was responsible for delivering the project under an EPC contract, covering engineering, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning activities. The contract included the design and adaptation of technical solutions to site conditions, procurement and delivery of major equipment, construction of foundations for equipment and structures, installation of steel structures, construction of the entry portal, installation of busbars and flexible connections, installation of 400 kV primary equipment, implementation of secondary protection and control systems, cabling and SCADA integration, as well as testing and commissioning.

The project incorporated equipment supplied by internationally recognized manufacturers known for the reliability and performance of their products. These included 400 kV circuit breakers manufactured by Siemens Energy, high-voltage disconnectors supplied by COELME, and instrument transformers provided by Trench Group. Dedicated steel structures, an entry portal, foundations for equipment and structures, and flexible connection systems required for the substation’s new configuration were also installed.

Within the secondary systems area, SEL protection relays and automation systems were implemented, including SEL-411L, SEL-451, and SEL-2440 devices, ensuring protection, automation, control, interlocking, and monitoring functions for the new bay.

The new configuration employs a modern double-breaker scheme, commonly used in extra-high-voltage installations where safety, availability, and operational continuity are essential.

The works were carried out in a strategic substation that remained in operation throughout the project, requiring continuous coordination with the system operator and strict compliance with operational requirements. Adverse weather conditions also posed significant challenges; nevertheless, all works were completed on schedule.

JV CELIN, part of the Turboenergy Power (TEP) Group, is a Romanian company with a long-standing tradition in the energy sector and extensive experience gained through numerous electrical infrastructure projects.