Transelectrica launches the pilot project to digitalize the Alba Iulia substation, an investment of 476 million lei

Transelectrica has begun implementing the pilot project to modernize the 220/110/20 kV Alba Iulia Substation, designed as a model for digitizing the Electricity Transmission Grid. The kick-off meeting took place on Wednesday, following the signing of the design and execution contract with the Vodafone România–Electromontaj SA consortium.

The contract is worth 476.07 million lei, excluding VAT, of which 228.47 million lei represents non-reimbursable funding from the Modernization Fund. The works and design will be carried out over a period of 44 months, with completion estimated for May 2030.

The project goes beyond the conventional modernization of an electrical substation and integrates automation, communications, private cloud, satellite data, GIS, Digital Twin, augmented reality, asset monitoring and cybersecurity. The architecture will involve IT&C elements from 21 substations in the grid, two Hidroelectrica sites, four DEER substations and five Transelectrica offices.

An important component is the Digital Laboratory, developed together with POLITEHNICA Bucharest, where equipment, interoperability and security solutions will be tested before being deployed across critical infrastructure. Transelectrica aims for the experience gained in Alba Iulia to become a reusable model for transforming the entire grid.