Romania advances energy security through coal extensions and grid modernization

Romania is undergoing significant shifts in its energy landscape, characterized by both the extension of coal-based production and a push toward modernization and renewables. The Romanian government has approved a memorandum to maintain lignite-based power generation at the Turceni and Craiova units to ensure national energy security and system stability. Specifically, the Turceni 5 unit will remain operational until the end of the first quarter of 2028, while Craiova 1 and 2 capacities are maintained until the end of the second quarter of 2027. This decision aims to mitigate risks during periods of low renewable output and prevent energy deficits, though it carries a potential EU penalty risk of at least 124 million euros.

Simultaneously, the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) is advancing infrastructure and renewable integration. ANRE has approved the 2026–2035 development plan for Transelectrica, involving 117 investment projects to modernize lines, increase interconnection capacity, and digitalize the grid. In the renewable sector, the 99 MW Green Breeze wind park in Galați has received its commercial exploitation license. Furthermore, ANRE has approved approximately 811 MW of new energy projects, with a significant focus on energy storage, as battery projects accounted for roughly 669 MW of the total authorizations.

Local economic transitions are also underway, such as a 5.1 million lei investment for modernizing a company in Gorj through the Just Transition Program.