Transelectrica joins forces with the Polytechnic University of Bucharest to launch the first digital lab in Romania

Transelectrica and the Polytechnic University of Bucharest (UPB) have signed a strategic partnership for the establishment and operationalization of DigiTEL, the first integrated digital laboratory in Romania, for testing future technologies in the energy field.

DigiTEL will function as a testing and validation environment for the integrated concepts used in the development of the pilot project of the first digital substation in Romania, which will be implemented by Transelectrica, respectively the 200/110/20 kV Alba Iulia substation. With the implementation of the refurbishment project of the Alba Iulia station, DigiTEL will become an incubator of new standards and technologies that support the digital transformation of the energy sector. The project of the digital station is foreseen in the development plan of the company in 2020-2026 with an allocated budget of about 30 million euros, of which approximately 3-5 million euros will be allocated to the laboratory.

Catalin Nitu, Chairman of the Board of CNTEE Transelectrica SA: “Globally, the energy sector is in a stage of transition that is advancing rapidly. Therefore, we believe that the only way to meet this challenge in the long run is to join forces and strengthen the partnership between the real economy and academia. We are delighted with the openness we have from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, not only in terms of this pioneering project – DigiTEL, but also other initiatives that we have implemented or are implementing in partnership. Transelectrica aims to remain a leader in promoting new technologies, and this is possible through a mix of operational excellence, professional excellence and strong partnerships with academia and technology leaders. With this objective, we have embarked on the path of digitalization with a clear and ambitious vision of the future, and the Alba Iulia Digital Station is the central pillar of the transition to smart grids ”.

Mihnea Costoiu, rector of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest: “In recent years, digital transformation has become one of the priorities of our community. Whether we are talking about the digitalization of the administration or the services, Romania needs the support of the largest community of engineers in the country, that of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. In the project we are developing together with our partner Transelectrica, we tried to look to the future. We will develop a Digital Technology Laboratory for Power Stations to help students become familiar with the technologies they will use in the near future. Basically, through the project we create infrastructure to help train specialists in digital technologies for the energy field.

I think it is an extraordinary contribution of Transelectrica and the Faculty of Energy within UPB to the process of digitization of the country’s energy infrastructure. Thank you to our partners and all those involved for opening and launching this project and partnership.”

Within the partnership, the Polytechnic University of Bucharest will provide the necessary space for the laboratory, and Transelectrica will ensure its endowment with the equipment, systems, and technologies necessary for the testing infrastructure, as well as the transfer of know-how acquired through operational activity.

The steps for the implementation of the DigiTEL laboratory will be initiated this year, having as operational horizon the year 2024.