Rețele Electrice România, part of the PPC group, has begun the modernization works of the electricity distribution infrastructure in the Gărâna-Văliug-Trei Ape area of Caraș-Severin County, to improve the quality of services for approximately 650 existing customers and ensure an increased capacity of the network to supply future consumption needs.
The electrical networks in question serve customers in Brebu Nou, Gărâna and the Lake Trei Ape recreational area. The total value of the modernization project is 57.6 million lei (VAT included), with funding partially secured through the Modernization Fund via a grant of up to 37.8 million lei. The estimated duration of the works is 31 months.
The modernization project covers approximately 23 km of existing overhead and underground medium-voltage lines (6 kV and 20 kV). Additionally, two new medium-voltage lines of 17.8 km and 9.2 km respectively will be developed. The Brebu Nou – Gărâna overhead electricity line will be upgraded from 6 kV to 20 kV to provide greater distribution capacity, and will be looped with the Văliug and Slatina Timiș 20 kV lines to enhance supply security. The project also includes creating a backup loop to ensure continuity of electricity supply for customers in the Semenic Mountain area, an important tourist destination.
In addition, 13 existing transformer stations will be modernized, and a new concrete-encased transformer station will be added in the Trei Ape Lake recreational area.
Network equipment will be integrated into the telecontrol system, which enables remote monitoring and operation of the network and allows rapid switching operations without the need to dispatch field teams. Fiber optic circuits will therefore be installed to carry data traffic between telecontrol systems, sensors, and smart devices installed in the distribution network.
Enhancing the resilience and reliability of the electricity network takes into account the geographical characteristics of Caraș-Severin County, where mountainous terrain covers approximately 65% of the total area, resulting in greater exposure of network elements to severe weather events.