In order to reduce dependence on a reliable gas supplier and to strengthen the security and resilience of the energy market, the Republic of Moldova, under the auspices of the European Union, initiated the project to interconnect its natural gas transmission system with that of Romania. This initiative was fully aligned with the long-term objective of establishing a functional and competitive gas market at the European level.

These strategic objectives have been reflected in several national and bilateral policy documents, including:

• The Energy Strategy of the Republic of Moldova until 2020, approved by Government Decision No. 958 of 21 August 2007;
• The Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova for the European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, signed in Bucharest on 27 April 2010;
• The Action Plan for the implementation of the above Declaration, signed in Iasi, Romania, on 3 March 2012;
• The Energy Strategy of the Republic of Moldova until 2030, adopted by Government Decision No. 102 of 5 February 2013;
• The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Romania and the Government of the Republic of Moldova on the implementation of the projects necessary for the interconnection of natural gas and electricity networks, signed in Chișinău on 21 May 2015 and approved by Romanian Government Decision No. 712/2015;
• Memorandum No. 90327, approved by the Government of Romania on 22 September 2016, concerning the completion of the 2016 Cooperation Programme between the two governments, including Additional Agreements.

As a direct outcome of these commitments, the Republic of Moldova launched the Project for the Interconnection of the Natural Gas Transmission Systems of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, comprising two implementation phases:

• Phase I, with a transport capacity of approximately 500 million cubic meters per year (mcm/year); and
• Phase II, increasing capacity to approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/year).

Phase I was implemented under the Joint Operational Programme Romania–Ukraine–Republic of Moldova 2007–2013, and included the construction of a 500 mm diameter gas transmission pipeline. Key infrastructure components comprised the linear section on Romanian territory, the Prut River undercrossing (main and backup lines), the linear section on Moldovan territory, and a Gas Metering Station located in the Republic of Moldova.

To ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the Iasi–Ungheni pipeline and its associated infrastructure, as well as to manage natural gas transmission from Romania, the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Moldova established the State Enterprise "Vestmoldtransgaz" by Government Decision No. 501 of 1 July 2014. The enterprise was officially registered with the State Registration Chamber on 16 July 2014, with its headquarters located at 180 Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard, Chișinău.

Vestmoldtransgaz holds License Series AA No. 087187, valid until 6 January 2040, issued by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE). The company is responsible for the technical operation of the Iasi–Ungheni pipeline and associated facilities under Contract No. 13/3-104 dated 29 December 2014.

In alignment with the European Union’s energy policy—built on the three pillars of energy security, sustainability, and competitiveness, as outlined in EU Regulation No. 994/2010 on measures to safeguard security of gas supply - "Vestmoldtransgaz" is committed to:

• Ensuring the safe and secure operation of the national gas transmission infrastructure;
• Enhancing the interoperability of Moldova’s gas system with regional networks;
• Expanding and modernising gas transmission infrastructure;
• Increasing transmission efficiency and cross-border connectivity with neighbouring countries.

In accordance with the requirements of EU Regulation 994/2010, the company also implements risk mitigation measures to prevent or reduce threats to the security of gas supply in the Republic of Moldova.

Since its establishment, Vestmoldtransgaz has conducted its licensed activities in full compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, as well as with the following legal and regulatory acts:

• Law No. 146 of 16.06.1994 on State Enterprises;
• Law No. 116 of 18.05.2012 on Industrial Safety;
• Law No. 1525-XIII of 19.02.1998 on Energy;
• Law No. 108 of 27.05.2016 on Natural Gas;
• Law No. 592 of 26.09.1995 on Transport via Main Pipelines;
• Relevant subordinate legislation and normative-technical standards;
• International treaties to which the Republic of Moldova is a party.

Existing Infrastructure

The natural gas transmission system operated by Vestmoldtransgaz consists of a network of main pipelines, along with the associated installations, equipment, and facilities, designed to operate at a pressure of 55 bar. This infrastructure enables the reception of natural gas imported from Romania through the existing interconnection point and its subsequent transportation for delivery to participants in the domestic natural gas market.

The components of the transmission system, as detailed in Table 1, were officially transferred to the technical administration of "Vestmoldtransgaz" by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Moldova, in accordance with the Handover-Receipt Contract No. 13/3-104 dated 29 December 2014.

Figure 1. Map of the Republic of Moldova showing the main gas transmission interconnections

Natural Gas Transmission Infrastructure Owned by "Vestmoldtransgaz" LLC

Physical Interconnection Points and Infrastructure Development of "Vestmoldtransgaz" LLC

The natural gas transmission system operated by "Vestmoldtransgaz" LLC is physically interconnected with the transmission system of "Moldovatransgaz" LLC and the natural gas distribution networks of "Chisinau-gaz" LLC at several strategic points.

Interconnection with the Transmission System:

• At Platform C, via the Todirești Gas Metering Station, the Iași-Ungheni transmission pipeline (Dn 530) is interconnected with the Bălți-Ungheni pipeline (Dn 200), owned by "Moldovatransgaz" LLC.
• Near Tohatin commune, via a bidirectional Gas Metering Station, the Ungheni-Chișinău transmission pipeline (Dn 610) connects with the Rîbnița–Chișinău pipeline (Dn 530), also under the ownership of "Moldovatransgaz" LLC.

In addition, the transmission system is linked to the existing natural gas distribution network at three separate points, ensuring integration and flexibility within the national gas infrastructure.

These infrastructure components were developed with technical and financial support from Romania, the European Union, and the State Budget of the Republic of Moldova.

Additional Infrastructure Developments:

On 31 May 2017, based on Government Decision No. 1348 of 14.12.2016, "Vestmoldtransgaz" finalized the construction of the Automation and Control Centre, a key element of Phase I of the Iași-Ungheni interconnection project. This facility plays an essential role in the operational monitoring and control of the gas transmission system.

The configuration and structure of the gas transmission system operated by "Vestmoldtransgaz" provide the flexibility to develop solutions that meet both the secure supply requirements of domestic consumption zones and support the transit of natural gas through the Republic of Moldova's territory.

Interconnection Capacity and Technical Parameters:

Following the commissioning of Phase I of the interconnection project, the technical capacity at the Todirești Interconnection Point for gas flow from "Vestmoldtransgaz" to "Moldovatransgaz" was set at 43.8 million cubic meters per year, as defined in the Technical Operating Agreement dated 26 August 2014.

Design and Implementation – Phase II:

Under Contract No. 499 of 22.11.2016, "Vestmoldtransgaz" is the designated Beneficiary of design services for the project titled "Interconnection Pipeline of the National Gas Transmission System of Romania with the Gas Transmission System of the Republic of Moldova, in the direction of Todirești village, Ungheni district – Chișinău municipality", corresponding to Phase II of the interconnection program.

Strategic Investment Project – Ungheni–Chișinău Pipeline:

To enhance energy security, promote liberalization, diversification, and the proper functioning of the national gas market, and to increase the volume of natural gas transported annually, "Vestmoldtransgaz" is currently implementing the project:

"Construction of the Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Ungheni–Chișinău, Dn 600 mm, PN 55 bar, L = 120 km, including two gas delivery stations in Chișinău municipality and one delivery station in Semeni village, Ungheni district."

The design works for this project were executed by SNTGN "Transgaz", based on the same Contract No. 499 of 22.11.2016.

Transfer and Operationalization of Infrastructure:

On 18 October 2018, the Commission established by the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, in accordance with Government Decision No. 501 of 01.07.2014 and Order No. 202 of 16.10.2017, signed the Official Act of Receipt and Delivery. As a result, the components of the project "Interconnection Pipeline of the Natural Gas Transmission System of Romania with the Gas Transmission System of the Republic of Moldova, Phase I" were formally transferred to the balance sheet of "Vestmoldtransgaz".

Privatization and Ownership Transfer:

On 28 March 2018, the Public Property Agency and the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, acting as founders of the State Enterprise "Vestmoldtransgaz", concluded a contract for the sale and purchase of the company’s single asset complex with "Eurotransgaz" LLC, following a public investment competition.