Transelectrica inaugurated the new 400 kV Arefu transformer station

The National Electricity Transport Company Transelectrica inaugurated the construction of a new voltage level (400 kV), within the Arefu 220/110 kV station, which thus ensures the stability and operational safety of the electricity transmission network and the optimal supply of consumers in the Argeș-Vâlcea region.

The investment, with a total value of over 83 million RON, includes the construction of the 400 kV station in state-of-the-art GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) technology, which ensures a high level of operational reliability and safety.

The 400/220/100 kV Arefu station plays an essential role in the evacuation of electricity produced in the hydroelectric power plants in the area, especially by the Vidraru Hydroelectric Power Plant, and contributes to supplying consumers in Argeș and Vâlcea counties, while providing the flexibility necessary for the integration of renewable energy sources.

The works were carried out by SIEMENS ENERGY SRL – ELECTROMONTAJ CARPAȚI S.A. – ELECTROMONTAJ S.A. between January 2023 and December 2024, and the major investment project regarding the increase in the operational safety of the Argeș-Vâlcea network area, the construction of the 400 kV Arefu substation and the installation of a 400 MVA, 400/220 kV autotransformer had as its main objective the strengthening of the operational safety of the network by connecting the Argeș – Vâlcea area to the 400 kV transmission network.

Until the completion of this investment, this area was supplied exclusively through the 400/220/110/20 kV Bradu station, through a ring of 220 kV lines. By building the new substation and installing the 400 MVA, 400/220 kV autotransformer, a second connection of this ring with the 400 kV transmission network was created, which brings a significant increase in the stability and reliability of the energy system.

Transelectrica focuses its efforts on strategic investments for the re-engineering and modernization of the Electric Transmission Network (RET). According to the Development Plan of the Electric Transmission Network for the period 2024 – 2033, with a total value of 9.4 billion RON, the projects intended for the re-engineering and modernization of electrical installations planned for the next 10 years by Transelectrica have the largest share of the value of the Development Plan, equivalent to approximately 2.9 billion RON.