Romania to triple its solar capacity to 4.25 GW by 2030

Solar photovoltaic capacity in Romania is projected to triple during 2021-2030, from 1.39 GW in 2020 to 4.25 GW in 2030, according to a report titled Romania Power Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2021 – Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape.

The Romanian government is expected to establish a coal commission and phase out coal power plants by 2032 while several oil-fired plants are also expected to be decommissioned by 2030. These moves would push the country towards greater use of gas-fired power plants, according to the report, produced by analyst company GlobalData.

Rohit Ravetkar, Power Analyst at GlobalData, said Romania has been proactively working towards the development of the renewable sector.

Two major reasons for this proactive approach are the phaseout of coal power plants in the country and to meet the energy and emission targets under the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).

Romania is preparing new model to incentivizes renewables

The government is looking to introduce a contract for difference (CfD) scheme inspired by the United Kingdom’s CfD system for the renewable sector, he said.

The scheme is being developed together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and is expected to be launched before the end of 2022.

According to GlobalData, offshore wind plants, which are expected to commence operations from 2029, will further aid in replacing the decommissioned thermal power capacity. A month ago, Romania’s Energy Minister Virgil Popescu said the government would finish the offshore wind law this year.

“Romania has set a target of 30.7% renewables share in its total power capacity mix by 2030. This is set to drive the renewable power market in the country, especially for wind power and solar PV technologies. This will also present opportunities for transmission and distribution infrastructure developers as the country would be keen on integrating renewable power sources in the national grid,” he said.