"Investments in distribution networks are a focal point to ensure an energy future adapted to today's electrification needs. The project we have in the Valu lui Traian – Murfatlar area, supported via European funds, is just one of the many examples that show what financial efforts involve the modernization of an existing network section so that it is adapted to current consumption needs and extreme weather conditions that are increasingly frequent. We are talking about an area under accelerated development both in terms of residential and economic activities. In addition, it is an area where in recent years we have seen the effects of climate change, with storms in which wind speeds have exceeded the level of 130-140 km/h for a long time. Therefore, in order for these communities to have access to a secure and modern energy infrastructure, we place underground a portion of the network in that area and modernize the secondary substations on the poles by replacing them with others in concrete envelope", said Mihai Peste, general manager of Retele Electrice companies.
The project consists of the modernization of a medium voltage line and other works to improve the quality of the distribution service. The overhead line will be placed underground over a length of 27.53 km, and the secondary substations will be upgraded and reconfigured, and other new secondary substations will also be built. The final beneficiaries of the project are over 4,000 customers, individuals and companies, served by the distribution infrastructure in the area. The works will increase the reliability of the networks and will also ensure the possibility of connecting new customers and increasing the consumption of existing ones.
Valu lui Traian and Murfatlar localities are supplied with electricity from Basarabi transformer station, equipped with two 110/20kV transformers of 25MVA (Mega Volt Amper) each, with a total installed power of 50 MVA. From this, through medium voltage distribution networks, 20/0.4kV transformer substations serving customers in the area are connected; at the end of the project there will be 24 secondary substations placed in concrete envelope, and 6 existing secondary substations will be modernized.
As part of the works, the medium voltage power line concerned, supplied from Basarabi primary substation, will loop with another medium voltage power line, supplied from another transformer station, to loop the two primary substations, if necessary, thus ensuring continuity in electricity supply.
As a result of the modernization works, reductions in technical energy losses from the grid and a mitigated impact on the environment will be recorded at the level of the distribution network. The project has a direct effect on the quality of distribution service, by increasing the degree of digitization, which will lead to improved management of unplanned interruptions.
The project has a total value of RON 52.3 million (VAT included), and is co-financed by the Modernization Fund with a maximum value of RON 34.66 million.
The deadline for submitting bids is June 26, 2024, and the works will have a duration of 25 months from the conclusion of the contract.
The Retele Electrice companies operate networks with a total length of about 134,000 kilometers in three important areas of the country: Muntenia Sud (including Bucharest), Banat and Dobrogea, covering one third of the local distribution market, and are developing an investment program to improve service quality, network safety and performance and local implementation of PPC Group's environmental standards. The power grids operated by the three Power Grids companies include 289 transformer stations and over 25,000 transformer substations.
