Romanian transmission system operator Transelectrica has launched a €90.4 million upgrade of its Alba Iulia 220/110/20 kV substation, excluding VAT. The project is positioned as a pilot for broader digitalisation across the national grid. The upgrade targets equipment and systems within the Alba Iulia facility.
A design-and-build contract has been secured by a consortium comprising Vodafone Romania and Electromontaj. Politehnica Bucharest is also involved in the programme. Implementation is scheduled to run for 44 months.
Modernisation Fund support and delivery timeline
The project will receive €43 million in non-repayable funding from the Modernisation Fund. Completion is planned for May 2030. The schedule covers the full implementation period leading up to that date.
Digital systems for communications, automation and monitoring
The upgrade will integrate power infrastructure with communications, automation, monitoring and equipment-condition analysis. Planned components include a private cloud and digital twins. It also includes satellite and geographic data, along with augmented reality.
An Asset Health Center is planned for continuous equipment assessment. The programme includes cybersecurity measures and staff training. These elements are intended to support ongoing operational monitoring within the upgraded substation environment.
Reference role for further network upgrades
Transelectrica intends to use the Alba Iulia project as a reference point for subsequent network upgrades. The operator’s wider deployment plans depend on whether the integrated systems improve maintenance decisions, equipment availability and operational visibility across other substations.
