Rețele Electrice Banat company will carry out the modernization of the electricity distribution infrastructure in the Văliug-Gărâna-Trei Ape area in Caraș Severin County, the modernization works to be awarded through a public tender. The company Rețele Electrice Muntenia, part of the PPC group in Romania, has launched, through the public procurement information system, the procedure for the acquisition of works worth 44.2 million lei, the beneficiary being the operator Rețele Electrice Banat.

The project aims to modernize the electricity distribution infrastructure in the area located at altitude, within the radius of the municipalities of Slatina Timiș, Brebu Nou, Văliug, Bucoșnița and Teregova. In fact, about 65% of the surface of Caraș Severin county has mountainous relief, which also implies a greater exposure of the elements of the electrical network to meteorological phenomena that can become extreme, as well as an increased complexity of the works.

“The area we are targeting in this project is a mountainous one, very exposed to increasingly difficult weather conditions in recent years, and lately with tempests and rapid transitions from heat waves to storms. The underground passage of the medium voltage lines in the respective areas and the modernization of the transformer substations on poles (overhead) by replacing them with protected substations in concrete envelope, will contribute essentially to the resilience of the network by increasing its distribution capacity but especially by preventing damages that can be generated by intense bad weather or vegetation because these network elements will no longer be directly exposed to them. We are modernizing the grid to become more resilient and introducing digitalization elements to quickly and efficiently monitor the grid and have the possibility of reconfiguring it automatically or through remote maneuvers, when needed, thus minimizing the discomfort felt by electricity users. After the completion of the works, the inhabitants of the area and tourists will be able to enjoy the benefits of a much improved electricity distribution service”, said Mihai Pește, general manager of the Rețele Electrice companies.

The project involves the modernization and transition of the Brebu Nou – Gărâna overhead power line (LEA) from the voltage of 6 kV to 20 kV and to loop it with the 20 kV Văliug LEA and the 20 kV Slatina Timiș LEA. The loop allows the electricity supply to be provided by another route if necessary.

Users connected to the medium and low voltage distribution networks in the localities of Brebu Nou, Gărâna and the Lac Trei Ape Leisure area are directly targeted.

From a technical point of view, the works impact approximately 23 km of existing overhead and underground lines of 6 and 20kV.

In addition, two new medium voltage lines with a length of 17.8 km and 9.2 km respectively will be developed in the area.  Their total length is equivalent to crossing the Trei Ape Lake nine times.

Also, 13 existing transformer substations will be modernized and a new concrete envelope transformer substation will be placed in the recreational area of Trei Ape Lake.

The medium voltage network will be modernized by introducing remote control equipment that facilitates integration into SCADA, respectively telemetry and fiber optic equipment, which allow remote monitoring and operation of the network. Fiber optic circuits will also be installed, basically on the same routes as those of medium voltage cables, which will take over all data traffic between centralized remote control systems, sensors and smart equipment installed in the distribution network.

Following the modernization and development works, at the level of the distribution network related to the reduction of its own technological energy consumption and the impact on the environment will be mitigated as much as possible. The project has a direct effect on the quality of the distribution service and the increase in the degree of digitalization, which will consistently improve the quality of the distribution service for users in the area.

The project has a total value of 57.6 million lei (VAT included), of which a maximum insured value from the Modernization Fund of 37.8 million lei.

The deadline for submitting bids is August 21, 2024, and the works will have a duration of 31 months from the conclusion of the contract.