Romania's power market sees record electricity price as transformer factory opens in Botoșani

On a Monday, Romania's electricity market recorded an unprecedented price of 1,015 euros per megawatt hour during the 19:00‑19:15 interval, with the day's average reaching 293 euros, far above the previous high of 224 euros. The spike was driven by extreme summer heat, reduced domestic generation, and the near‑maximum import of power from neighboring Bulgaria and Hungary, highlighting vulnerabilities in the country's energy supply.

At the same time, European transformer maker SGB‑SMIT inaugurated its second Romanian plant in Botoșani in partnership with local firm Electro‑Alfa International. The new facility, valued at about €20 million, currently employs 100 workers and is slated to double its staff by the end of 2027. It will produce 50‑1000 kVh oil‑immersed transformers for grid operators and industrial customers, reinforcing Romania's role in the broader European energy infrastructure.