Romania to green energy system in hospitals with private partner

Romania is in talks with Abu Dhabi–based IHC on a public-private partnership worth EUR 1 billion for equipping hospitals with heat pumps and photovoltaic systems and digitalizing healthcare services.

Secretary of State in the Ministry of Health Alexandru Rogobete visited the United Arab Emirates as part of a Romanian delegation. They held discussions with International Holding Co. on potential energy and digitalization projects for hospitals within public-private partnerships.

The plan is for the facilities to roll out integrated energy efficiency systems and transition to green energy. It would reduce energy costs and enable redirecting funds into renovations, equipment purchases and other investments, Rogobete pointed out.

No public funds are required as the investment practically becomes private, State Secretary Alexandru Rogobete said

A program for public-private partnerships wouldn’t require any public funding and “the investment practically becomes private,” he said.

“We are talking about a potential PPP-type project that could attract private investments of up to EUR 1 billion over the next 10 years in the energy infrastructure of Romanian hospitals. The discussions are at an early stage, but we can project savings and efficiencies worth billions in the system,” Rogobete stated.

Subsidiary of Emirati-based IHC recently struck deal with Electrica

The framework focuses on heat pumps and solar panels as well as digital systems for the optimization of energy consumption. The scheme would encompass solutions for improving the accessibility and quality of health services in Romania. One of the objectives is to roll out a national telemedicine system.

IHC, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, currently has a market capitalization of almost USD 250 billion.

Electricity distribution and supply utility Electrica, in which the government has a minority stake, recently signed a deal with IHC’s subsidiary Esyasoft Holding on grid modernization and automation. Last year the Emirati company agreed to acquire 50% of Kalyon Energy (Enerji) in Turkey.

Municipal photovoltaic plants springing up in Botoșani

Numerous local authorities in Romania are investing in municipal ground-mounted solar power plants for public lighting and to supply public buildings, including healthcare facilities, as well as in geothermal heating.

For instance, several municipalities in Botoșani county in the far northeast are building photovoltaic parks helped by European funds. According to an earlier news report, the commune of Blândești will power the town hall, school, dispensary and public lighting. The Nicșeni commune designated an agricultural land plot for a unit of more than 230 kW.

The small town of Săveni already built a 165 kW solar power plant. The local authorities in Darabani near the borders with Ukraine and Moldova installed a 450 kW system.

The Botoșani County itself has PV projects underway in Bucecea (1 MW), Podriga and Sulita. Worth a total of more than EUR 2 million, the investment is also set to cover healthcare facilities.