This complex undertaking involves dismantling the existing line and building a new one spanning over 43 kilometers, under highly demanding technical and organizational conditions – such as working near a highway, crossing a river, and operating beneath six active 130 kV lines with constant electromagnetic induction.

The project is divided into three phases over three years, each requiring two major grid outages during which a significant volume of work must be completed. It includes 17 different tower types, around 2,000 tons of steel structures, and over 100 rock foundations. Despite numerous constraints, the Dalekovod team has demonstrated exceptional preparedness. After more than a year of planning, they are now ahead of schedule – 70 new towers have been erected, one section of electromechanical assembly is complete, and the team is fully engaged in the next, more challenging segment.

Beyond the transmission line itself, this project is also building a bridge between experience and the enthusiasm of a new generation of engineers. Among them is Sara Banovec, a 27-year-old civil engineer from Zagreb, who contributes daily to the successful execution of works as a site engineer assistant. Sara shares what it means to work on such a complex project, where challenges become opportunities and every tower stands as a symbol of dedication, expertise, and teamwork.

Every day brings a new challenge – and a victory

“Civil engineering attracted me because I wanted a job that wasn’t just office-based, but also involved fieldwork. Since math and physics were always my strengths, engineering was the perfect choice,” begins Sara, whose story blends career and adventure. By her third year of university, she knew she was ready for a challenge: “That was the most stressful period in terms of academic demands. After successfully completing that year, I knew I could achieve anything I set my mind to.”

Her workday begins with coordinating the workers’ schedule. “Sometimes I spend the whole day in the office, sometimes on-site, often a mix of both. There’s no fixed routine – only the commitment to adapt and do the job well. There’s no monotony here; I learn something new every week. I try to absorb as much knowledge as I can from more experienced colleagues, because projects like this are the best school an engineer can have.”

Safety, teamwork, and knowledge

Sara is particularly impressed by the Swedish approach to safety and work organization, which Dalekovod has seamlessly integrated into. “Everything is structured and organized here, just like on our sites back home or abroad. Every task is carried out with care, focusing on people’s safety and environmental protection. This level of professionalism is highly valued by the investor, and I believe that’s why Dalekovod enjoys a reputation as a reliable and professional company capable of handling even the most demanding tasks flawlessly. In fact, they said they’ve never seen such a systematic and transparent way of working. That’s a great feeling – and a strong motivator.”

In addition to praise from international investors, Sara is driven by a combination of professional growth and a sense of accomplishment: “Financially, I’m very satisfied at Dalekovod, but the strongest motivator is success – seeing the results of our work. That’s the greatest recognition and confirmation that what I do truly matters – for me, the company, the investor, and the entire community that will one day benefit from what we’re building here. That’s why I give it my all.”

Sara admits that her biggest challenge wasn’t technical, but personal – leaving Croatia. “I knew it was temporary, but it was hard to leave the life I’d built. I believe this experience will make me return even more prepared and confident – a better version of everything I left behind.”

Women in engineering? “I belong here.”

As a young female engineer on-site, Sara doesn’t feel like an exception: “It’s no longer unusual to see women in construction. When I enrolled in university, the gender ratio was nearly equal. There may be fewer of us in the field, but I feel I belong here. I work in an environment and company where work is respected and valued, without prejudice, among supportive and collaborative colleagues.”

For young women considering technical studies, she has a simple message: “Go for it. If something interests you, put in the effort and you’ll succeed – no matter the profession.”

Looking ahead, Sara hopes to one day lead a project like this herself: “I want to complete this project and gain as much experience as possible. I believe we’ll all come out of this richer in knowledge and professional confidence, which is especially important for us young people at the start of our careers. And most importantly, what I have no doubt about, is that we’ll raise this new transmission line on time and without a single injury, and all return home safely.”

Although her workdays are full and the conditions demanding, far from home, Sara finds balance through the support of family and friends: “Luckily, we live in a time of technology, so we’re always in touch. When I come home, I dedicate that time to my loved ones. Those peaceful moments give me extra strength for every new challenge. I’ve learned that balance outside of work isn’t about doing everything – it’s about knowing what truly matters.”

Asked about the idea and message that guides her, she doesn’t hesitate: “With a smile and persistence toward every goal,” she replies confidently.

More than infrastructure

The Kilanda–Skogssäter project is proof that expertise, preparation, and teamwork can overcome even the most complex technical challenges. But what truly makes this project special isn’t just the numbers and structures – it’s the people behind them. People like Sara, who with their knowledge, energy, and dedication are building not only transmission lines, but a new generation of engineers who rise to challenges and follow their dreams, shaping a better, safer, and greener future.