E-Distributie Muntenia invests 7 million RON in modernizing the Dudesti primary substation in Bucharest

E-Distributie Muntenia, the electricity distribution operator in Bucharest, Ilfov, and Giurgiu counties, part of the Enel group, has completed the amplification works and continues the modernization and expansion of the 20 kV grid for the primary substation Dudesti 110/20/6kV located in Bucharest, as part of an investment of almost 7 million RON.

The total installed capacity of the primary substation was increased from 100 MVA to 130 MVA by replacing the two 110/20 kV transformers of 25 MVA each, with others of 40 MVA each with low losses. In addition, the medium voltage bars were insulated to increase the safety in the operation of the distribution system, but also to protect the fauna in the area. The amplification of the two 110/20kV transformers allows E-Distributie Muntenia to streamline both the connection of new customers in the respective area, which is under a rapid expansion, and the development of extensive programs for the transition of the medium voltage grid to 20kV. The primary substation has been operational since the late ’60s and now serves about 7,700 medium and low voltage consumers, among them industrial customers and trading companies respectively.

During 2020-2022, following another investment amounting to approximately 8 million RON, the modernization works of the 6kV medium voltage section of the primary substation were also completed, which allowed its integration into the telecontrol. In the coming period, LED lighting fixtures will also be installed in this space to ensure a high level of energy efficiency. A total of 36 new 6kV cells ensure increased safety in the operation of the medium voltage distribution system in the area, creating optimal conditions for the supply of electricity to industrial customers still supplied at this voltage level. The Dudesti primary substation is an important energy node for the east of Bucharest, having a configuration of 12 high voltage cells of 110 kV, respectively 28 cells of 20 kV and 36 cells of 6 kV of medium voltage.

The primary substation is equipped with telecommunications equipment that ensures its integration into the telecontrol system since 2011 for the 110 kV and 20 kV voltage levels and, from 2021, for the voltage level of 6 kV.  The telecontrol system allows E-Distributie Muntenia to perform maneuvers quickly, remotely, if there are any damages in the grid, in order to resupply the affected consumers in the shortest possible time, without the need for a field team to intervene. In Bucharest, E-Distributie Muntenia operates 70 primary substations to ensure optimal supply to consumers.

“The project of modernization and amplification of the Dudesti primary substation increases the safety in the operation of the distribution grid and in the electricity supply of consumers, at the same time protecting the environment by using modern equipment, at high performance standards. Through such projects, as a distribution operator, we unite all flows, being the connection point between consumers, respectively producers and the carrier. In addition, we are actively contributing to the electrification process”, said Monica Hodor, General Manager of E-Distributie companies.

E-Distributie companies operate networks with a total length of over 133,000 kilometers in three important areas of the country: Sud Muntenia (including Bucharest), Banat and Dobrogea, covering one third of the local distribution market, and develop an investment program to improve the quality of services, the safety and performance of networks and the local implementation of the environmental standards of the Enel Group. The electrical networks operated by the three E-Distributie companies count 287 primary substations and over 24,000 substations. In 2022, they distributed 15.5 TWh of electricity through high, medium and low voltage power lines.