Distribution company Delgaz Grid has completed the modernization of the Vicov transformer station (110/20 kV) in Suceava County. The project involved an investment of 25.48 million lei (approximately 4.7 million euros), with 2.2 million euros sourced from European funds and the remainder covered by the company’s own resources.
The modernization will provide consumers in the area with improved distribution services, reducing the risk of power outages and enhancing the quality of the electricity supplied. This benefits approximately 18,000 customers across the following localities: Vicovu de Sus, Vicovu de Jos, Rădăuți, Brodina, Putna, Straja, Gălănești, Voitinel, Bilca, Ulma, Izvoarele Sucevei, Moldova Sulița, Moldovița, Vatra Moldoviței, Frumosu, and parts of Frătăuții Noi.
Key works included the replacement of high- and medium-voltage equipment and its integration into the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, which enables remote monitoring and control of the installations.
Additionally, the 110 kV Vicov-Rădăuți power line was upgraded over a 17 km stretch, and new connections were established between the Vicov, Rădăuți, and Egger stations to enhance the reliability of the electricity supply. At the same time, the modernization of the substation ensures safer and more stable conditions for injecting energy-generated by 20 renewable energy producers (hydro and photovoltaic)-into the grid. The investment also contributes to reducing internal technical consumption and improving the performance indicators of the distribution service.
Of the project’s total value of 25.48 million lei (4.7 million euros), approximately 11.96 million lei (approx. 2.2 million euros) consists of non-repayable co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (REACT-EU) via the 2014-2020 Large Infrastructure Operational Programme, while about 13.5 million lei (approx. 2.5 million euros) represents the contribution from Delgaz Grid.
Delgaz Grid places special emphasis on securing European funds to support its investment programs, as non-repayable financing allows for the modernization of distribution infrastructure without these costs being passed on to customers’ bills.
The company currently has 16 other projects underway with European funding, totaling 530 million euros-of which 375 million euros are European funds. These initiatives focus on the installation of smart meters, the modernization and construction of transformer substations, and the upgrading of electrical networks across all voltage levels.
