Distribuție Energie Electrică Romania (DEER) announces that the works under the project “Construction of the 110/20/10 kV Transformer Substation in the Someșeni District, Cluj-Napoca Municipality, Cluj County” have exceeded 70% completion, with commissioning scheduled by 31 December 2026.

The new transformer substation is being built near Cluj International Airport and represents one of DEER’s most significant investments in the development and modernization of the electricity distribution network in Cluj-Napoca and its metropolitan area. The project will increase the network’s distribution capacity while supporting the region’s economic and urban development.

The total value of the project amounts to RON 138,229,633.26 (VAT included), of which RON 86,805,080.57 is non-reimbursable financing provided through the Modernisation Fund. This is the first project financed by the European Commission under Priority Axis 3.2 – Support for the Expansion and Modernisation of Electricity Distribution Networks. The financing agreement was signed on 28 November 2023, with project completion scheduled for 31 December 2026.

The implementation of this investment will enhance the security and reliability of electricity supply for existing consumers in the Someșeni district and throughout the Cluj-Napoca Metropolitan Area, including the localities of Apahida, Sânnicoară, and Dezmir. It will also enable the connection of new consumers in response to the area’s rapid development.

The new energy hub will eliminate existing distribution network capacity constraints, improve the quality parameters of the electricity supplied, and create the conditions necessary to integrate a larger number of prosumers as well as new renewable energy generation facilities.

“The new 110/20/10 kV Someșeni Transformer Substation is a strategic investment for the development of Cluj-Napoca and its metropolitan area. Through this project, we are increasing the capacity of the distribution network, improving the security of electricity supply, and preparing the infrastructure required to support economic and urban development, as well as the integration of an ever-growing number of renewable energy sources. Investments in distribution infrastructure are essential for building a modern, digitalized, and resilient energy system,” stated Mihaela Rodica Suciu, Chief Executive Officer of DEER.

Key Benefits of the Investment

• Improved quality of electricity distribution services through a reduction in the number and duration of power interruptions;
• Increase in distribution capacity across Cluj-Napoca and its metropolitan area by 56.3 MVA;
• Reduced technical losses and improved operational efficiency;
• Efficient integration and distribution of electricity generated from renewable energy sources;
• Facilitation of grid connections for new residential and industrial consumers;
• Increased grid connection capacity for prosumers;
• Digitalization of the distribution infrastructure and a higher degree of network automation.

Main Components of the Project

• Construction of a 110/20/10 kV transformer substation with an installed capacity of 56.3 MVA;
• Construction of the 110 kV grid connection through an underground power line and expansion of the underground 110 kV network by approximately 12 km;
• Expansion of the underground medium-voltage network by approximately 30 km;
• Full digitalization of the substation and related installations through the implementation of modern protection, control, automation, and telecommunications systems.

Romania continues its strategic investment programme aimed at modernizing and expanding its energy infrastructure. This project is part of a series of major investments completed by DEER in recent years, following the commissioning of the 110/20 kV Leordina Transformer Substation (2023), a RON 28.3 million investment, of which RON 22.57 million was provided through non-reimbursable funding; the Remetea Transformer Substation (2024), valued at RON 44.2 million, including RON 22.1 million in co-financing; and the 110/20 kV Sibiu West Transformer Substation (2025), completed through a RON 70.3 million investment, with RON 45.17 million financed through the Modernisation Fund.

With a total investment of RON 138.2 million, the Someșeni Transformer Substation is one of the largest projects of its kind undertaken by DEER in recent years. It further demonstrates the company’s commitment to developing a modern, high-capacity, digitalized, and resilient electricity distribution network capable of meeting growing electricity demand, supporting economic and urban development, and facilitating the integration of new renewable energy generation capacities.