Transelectrica has partnered with Delgaz Grid and ESO on the CARMEN Smart Grid project, a cross-border modernization initiative focused on improving regional electricity infrastructure. The effort is designed to support the transition toward cleaner power systems in Romania and Bulgaria.
The financing agreement for the project, valued at approximately 207 million euros, was signed on 22 May in Copenhagen during the Energy Infrastructure Forum. The deal was finalized with representatives of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, alongside senior officials from the European Commission.
Under the agreement, European financing will provide nearly 104 million euros through the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility programme for Projects of Common Interest. Delgaz Grid will manage investments of 77.5 million euros, including almost 39 million euros covered by EU grants. Transelectrica is set to invest around 70.7 million euros with about 35.4 million euros in non-reimbursable European support, while ESO’s investment share totals 59.3 million euros, with 29.6 million euros financed through European support.
CARMEN is described as Romania’s first Smart Grids Project of Common Interest to receive European funding for modernization across both transmission and distribution networks. The project also targets greater integration of renewable generation into the regional power system.
Planned works include network automation, modernization of existing infrastructure, and the installation of advanced monitoring systems intended to improve reliability and operational flexibility. The project is also expected to enhance cross-border electricity exchange capacity between Romania and Bulgaria by reducing congestion and improving interconnection capabilities.
The initiative includes smart-grid technologies such as Dynamic Line Rating systems, FACTS equipment, and real-time monitoring solutions. These measures are intended to help supply stability and enable transmission and distribution operators to coordinate more efficiently via shared digital platforms and improved data exchange systems.
The broader stated objective is to align infrastructure upgrades with European climate aims by improving renewable integration, increasing energy efficiency, and developing networks capable of supporting the European Union’s long-term decarbonization strategy.
