In a significant move towards enhancing its electricity distribution capabilities, Retele Electrice Romania has earmarked approximately €281 million for network modernization and digitalization in 2025. This investment aims to bolster the resilience of the grid in anticipation of the increasing demands associated with the energy transition.
The operator, which is part of the PPC Group, has reported that projects launched this year are valued at around €241 million. The financial structure of this investment reveals that about €182 million will be sourced from the company’s internal funds, while the remaining amount will come from external financing options.
The extensive investment program focuses on crucial regions including Muntenia, Banat, and Dobrogea, targeting both high-voltage and medium-voltage infrastructure upgrades. Key initiatives involve the modernization of primary and secondary substations, as well as the expansion and rehabilitation of both underground and overhead lines to enhance overall network reliability. In 2025 alone, Retele Electrice plans to commission two new primary substations while modernizing four existing ones. Additional projects include the construction of 1 km of new high-voltage line, refurbishment of approximately 64 km of existing high-voltage infrastructure, and the addition of 303 km of new medium-voltage lines alongside upgrades to another 453 km.
Digital transformation remains a vital element within this investment framework. The company is set to install 575 new remote-control points and introduce nearly 1,000 new secondary substations while modernizing an additional 440. A notable achievement in smart metering has been reported, with total installations reaching 2 million—marking a record within Romania’s electricity distribution sector.
Looking forward to 2026, Retele Electrice Romania intends to sustain a similar investment level with projected expenditures around €261 million. Of this projected amount, approximately €165 million is expected to be financed through internal resources, with the remainder sourced externally.
The forthcoming investment plan will prioritize replacing aging medium- and high-voltage cables while rehabilitating both overhead and underground networks. Enhancements in network redundancy and reliability will be achieved through strategic reconfiguration and creation of new loops. Additionally, plans include expansions for transformer stations, upgrades to switching and protection systems, along with further advancements in automation and remote-control technologies.
In conjunction with these efforts, Retele Electrice continues to pursue externally funded projects over the medium term. From 2026 to 2029, investments supported by the Modernization Fund are projected to total €273 million across Muntenia Sud, Banat, and Dobrogea regions, which includes around €201 million in grant funding.
