The Dobrogea region is the most crowded in Romania in terms of the number of MW installed in energy production capacities. But this also has negative sides, due to the congestions in the energy transmission networks occurring every year. To eliminate these congestions, Transelectrica plans to expand the electricity network including in the Republic of Moldova.
“We have to redesign the whole system and think about operational limitations because we often block transport capacities because of production capacities that are very high, for a short period of time. For example, about two weeks a year we have congestion and difficulties with energy evacuation. This situation should also be on put the power generators responsibility. There are some EU states where this is already happening,” said Gabriel Andronache, president of the Directorate of Transelectrica, during the “Regional Approach – Chisinau” conference, organized by Energynomics.
In Dobrogea, 1,400 MW are installed in nuclear reactors, over 3,000 in wind turbines and about 1,400 in photovoltaic panels. Transelectrica has several projects to create electrical connections with the Republic of Moldova. According to Andronache, the “most feasible” project is the 400 kV Suceava-Bălți line, which would be completed in 2030.
The realization of this interconnection line would also create the conditions for the emergence of new capacities to produce energy from renewable sources in both states. Another project is that of the Iași-Ungheni-Străseni power line, also of 400 kV. In order to eliminate congestion in Dobrogea, Transelectrica aims to extend new power lines to Brașov as well.
“It is necessary to create new synchronous interconnections because now we only have one, the 400 kV Isaccea-Vulcănești. These projects with Moldova should also be correlated with our projects, which are very important”, added Andronache.
Domestically, the system operator is trying to complete several projects that would close the ring of 400 kV power lines that cross Romania. In this sense, the company applied to attract European funds of 424 million euros, the largest of which is that of the Gădălin-Suceava power line, with a value of 101 million euros.
“We have to hurry because the pressures are increasing,” admitted Andronache.
The conference „Regional Approach Chișinău” was organized by Energynomics with the support of our partners: BRM East Energy MD, Huawei, Kawasaki Gas Turbine Europe, Schneider Electric, Transelectrica, and Transgaz.