The Mintia thermal power plant, the future largest gas-fired power plant in the European Union built on a single site, has successfully passed the initial tests for connection to the National Energy System, Transelectrica announced on Monday.
The company specified that the voltage supply from the 400 kV Mintia station was tested for the connection of the first gas turbine (GT1), as well as for the connection transformers to the system and those ensuring the internal power supply of the combined cycle power plant MASS Mintia.
According to Transelectrica, the test was successfully completed at 3:26 PM.
"On Monday, the voltage supply from the 400 kV Mintia station was tested for the 400 kV connection of Gas Turbine 1 (GT 1), the connection transformers to the system, and the internal power supply transformers within the MASS Mintia Combined Cycle Power Plant," the company stated.
A period of technical verifications follows
After completing the test, the plant's specialists continue the verification and testing activities of the electrical installations. The process is estimated to take approximately 30 days.
Transelectrica representatives have indicated that surpassing this stage is an important moment in the project's development and reflects the collaboration between the involved companies and state authorities.
"The successful completion of today's action reflects the ongoing efforts, commitment, and close cooperation between the entities involved in the project and the Romanian state authorities," the statement reads.
Project of over 1.2 billion euros
At the beginning of June, interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced that the works at the Mintia plant have reached over 83% completion.
The new plant is built on the site of the former coal-fired power plant and involves a private investment of over 1.2 billion euros. Upon completion, it will have an installed capacity of 1,700 MW and will become the largest gas-fired power plant in the European Union built on a single site.
Bolojan emphasized at that time that the project has a strategic role for Romania's energy security, aiming to contribute to increasing domestic energy production and reducing dependency on imports, especially during periods of high consumption.
According to the previously presented schedule, the connections to the electrical network are expected to be completed by October.