Transelectrica signed the first nine financing contracts from the Modernization Fund for the achievement of investment objectives of particular importance for the development of the national energy infrastructure. In total, there are 420 million euros that opens “the most important line of European funds intended for the development of the Romanian energy sector, according to Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă. The total value of the investments planned to be financed through the Modernization Fund exceeds 13 billion euros.

“The implementation processes of the nine investments with financing from the Modernization Fund place Transelectrica at another level of performance”, said the president of the Transelectrica Directorate Gabriel Andronache. “This set of large, complex projects proves the Company’s long-term commitment to meeting European energy security objectives,” he added.

The nine projects that obtained funding from the Modernization Fund are:

1. Construction of a new 400 kV LEA (double circuit) Constanța Nord – Medgidia Sud, equipped with a single circuit – with a value of approximately 23 million euros;
2. Construction of a new 400 kV Gădălin – Suceava single-circuit LEA, including its interconnection to the national electricity transmission system – with a value of over 101 million euros;
3. Internal line between Reșița and Timișoara/Săcălaz (PCI 3.22.3.), consisting of a new 400 kV LEA Reșița-Timișoara/Săcălaz and the 400 kV refurbishment of the 110/2020 kV Timișoara substation – with a value of approx. 64 million euros;
4. The construction of the 400 kV LEA Timișoara/Săcălaz/Arad – with a value of over 57 million euros;
5. Switching to the 400 kV voltage of LEA Brazi Vest-Teleajen-Stâlpu – with a value of around 51 million euros;
6. Pilot project – Refurbishment of the 220/110/20 kV Alba Iulia station – in digital station concept – with a value of approximately 47 million euros;
7. The installation of two modern means of reactive power compensation in the 400/220/110/20 kV Sibiu South 400/220/110/20 kV Bradu substations – with a value of over 52 million euros;
8. Optimizing the operation of the existing 400 kV LEA in the SEN, used in interconnection and for the evacuation of power from the Cernavodă nuclear power plant and the power plants from renewable sources in Dobrogea, by installing online monitoring systems (Smart Grid type) – with a value of over 10 million euros;
9. The digitalization of the electricity transmission network in Romania by installing two online systems, for the metering and management of electricity measurement data on the wholesale market and for monitoring the quality of electricity – with a value of over 18 million euros.

The projects financed by the Modernisation Fund will contribute to the increase of the interconnection capacity with the European energy system, as well as to the development of Romania’s electricity transmission grid, respectively to the security, flexibility and adequacy of the National Energy System, providing the prerequisites for the commissioning of new renewable energy production capacities.

Concretely, the major benefits of these investments will materialize relevant indicators such as: increasing the transmission capacity of RET by about 1,700 MW, building about 480 km of new overhead power lines, expanding 5 power stations with a voltage level of 400 kV, upgrading in digital concept – for the first time in Romania – the Alba Iulia Station, increasing the interconnection capacity by 600 MW (cumulated on the borders with Serbia and Hungary), implementing power quality monitoring systems in 15 stations, as well as optimizing and monitoring overhead power lines through digital systems.

“I wish Transelectrica a lot of success in finalizing these very important investment objectives, which will ensure our energy security and independence,” said Minister of Energy Virgil Popescu.