Retele Electrice Romania, a subsidiary of the PPC Group, has embarked on a significant investment initiative aimed at enhancing the electricity distribution network in western Romania. This modernization project is set to bolster service reliability and expand the capacity of the electricity infrastructure in Caras-Severin County, a region characterized by its challenging geographical landscape.
The focus of this investment is concentrated in the Garana-Valiug-Trei Ape area, where approximately 650 customers will benefit from improved electricity supply. The project is strategically designed to accommodate anticipated increases in electricity demand driven by regional development and population growth.
With a total budget of €11.5 million, including VAT, the modernization effort will receive substantial financial backing from Romania’s Modernization Fund, which is projected to contribute up to €7.5 million in grants. Construction activities are slated to unfold over an estimated period of 31 months, reflecting a long-term commitment to enhancing the region’s energy infrastructure.
The scope of the project encompasses the upgrade of around 23 kilometers of existing medium-voltage electricity lines, which include both overhead and underground installations operating at voltages of 6 kV and 20 kV. Additionally, two new medium-voltage connections measuring 17.8 kilometers and 9.2 kilometers will be established to further strengthen the network.
A pivotal aspect of this initiative involves elevating the voltage capacity of the Brebu Nou-Garana transmission line from 6 kV to 20 kV. This upgrade aims to enhance regional electricity distribution capabilities significantly. The newly modernized infrastructure will also interconnect with the existing Valiug and Slatina Timis 20 kV systems, thereby improving overall network reliability and resilience.
Furthermore, plans include establishing an additional backup electricity connection for the Semenic Mountains area, which is notable for its tourism activities. The comprehensive investment program also entails modernizing 13 transformer stations and constructing a new enclosed transformer facility near Lake Trei Ape.
Digitalization plays a crucial role in this modernization effort. The integration of distribution equipment into remote-control operational systems will facilitate real-time network monitoring and switching operations without necessitating field interventions. To support these advancements, fibre-optic communication infrastructure will be installed to enhance data exchange between sensors, control centers, and smart-grid technologies.
This project addresses the unique challenges posed by Caras-Severin County’s topography, where approximately 65 percent of the area consists of mountainous terrain. Such geographical features increase vulnerability to severe weather conditions, underscoring the necessity for robust and technologically advanced power networks capable of withstanding environmental pressures.
