The Mintia thermal power plant, considered one of the most significant energy investments in Romania in recent years, has surpassed the 83% execution stage, and in the upcoming period, interconnection tests with the power station will commence. The announcement was made on Saturday by interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, following a visit to the construction site in Hunedoara County.
The new plant, built on the site of the former coal-fired power plant in Mintia, will have an installed capacity of 1,700 MW and is being realized through a private investment of over 1.2 billion euros. According to Bolojan, upon completion of the works, it will become the largest gas-fired power plant in the European Union built on a single site.
The interim Prime Minister emphasized that the project plays a strategic role in Romania's energy security by increasing domestic energy production and reducing dependence on imports, especially during periods of high consumption.
"The project is over 83% completed and plays a strategic role in Romania's energy security. It means more energy produced in the country, fewer imports, and a better capacity to meet consumption during challenging periods, especially in winter," Bolojan conveyed.
Interconnection and Gas Supply Tests, Key Stages
The Prime Minister stated that he discussed with representatives from Transgaz and Transelectrica about the completion schedule and the issues that need to be resolved for the plant to start operating according to the agreed deadlines.
In the near future, interconnection tests between the plant and the power station will begin, a crucial stage for the commissioning of the new production capacities. Connection to the national electricity grid is set to be completed in two stages, by October.
Simultaneously, the gas supply to the plant must be ensured by August, so that construction and technical tests can proceed according to the schedule.
Call to Institutions for Compliance with Deadlines
Ilie Bolojan highlighted that the success of the project depends on the collaboration among all involved institutions, so that the remaining stages can be completed without further delays.
"It is essential for all involved institutions to collaborate so that these tests and the following stages can be carried out without additional delays," stated the Prime Minister.
He added that Romania needs major investments in energy and infrastructure to strengthen its economic competitiveness, ensure the stability of the energy system, and maintain affordable prices for consumers.