PPC unit Retele Electrice Romania begins €11.5m grid upgrade in western Romania

Retele Electrice Romania, the PPC Group company responsible for electricity distribution, has launched a major investment program to modernize the grid in western Romania—an effort aimed at improving reliability while expanding capacity for a region expected to see rising electricity needs and development.

Scope: Garana–Valiug–Trei Ape and Caras-Severin County

The investment focuses on the Garana-Valiug-Trei Ape area in Caras-Severin County. It is designed to enhance electricity supply for around 650 existing customers and to prepare the network for future demand growth.

The modernization work is scheduled to run for about 31 months and carries a total value of €11.5 million, including VAT. Financing will include grant support from Romania’s Modernization Fund, expected to reach up to €7.5 million.

Upgrading lines, adding connections and boosting voltage capacity

Planned works include modernizing approximately 23 kilometers of existing medium-voltage infrastructure, covering both overhead and underground lines operating at 6 kV and 20 kV. The company will also build two new medium-voltage connections measuring 17.8 kilometers and 9.2 kilometers.

A central component is the increase in voltage capacity of the Brebu Nou-Garana transmission line from 6 kV to 20 kV to strengthen regional distribution capabilities. The upgraded line will be interconnected with the existing Valiug and Slatina Timis 20 kV systems, with the stated goal of improving overall network reliability and resilience.

The project also includes an additional backup electricity connection for the Semenic Mountains area, which is characterized by strong tourism activity.

Transformer modernization and new enclosed facility

Beyond line upgrades, the broader program includes modernization of 13 transformer stations and construction of a new enclosed transformer facility near Lake Trei Ape.

Digitalization: remote control and fibre-optic communications

The initiative incorporates digital upgrades intended to reduce reliance on field intervention. Distribution equipment will be integrated into remote-control operational systems so that monitoring and switching can be performed without requiring on-site presence.

To support these capabilities, fibre-optic communication infrastructure will be installed to improve data exchange between sensors, control centers and smart-grid technologies.

Why it matters: geography-driven resilience needs

The investment also targets challenges tied to local terrain. Approximately 65% of Caras-Severin County is mountainous, leaving parts of the electricity network more exposed to severe weather conditions—conditions that increase the need for stronger, more resilient and technologically advanced power infrastructure.