Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan held a significant meeting today at the Government Palace, focusing on one of the country’s most strategic energy projects: the natural gas-fired power plant at Mintia. The event brought together representatives of Mass Global Energy Rom and government officials, with the aim of consolidating efforts to finalize and operationalize this large-scale investment, which is set to play a crucial role in Romania’s energy security and regional stability.
The discussions centered on the current status of the project, the implementation timeline, and the collaboration between authorities and investors. In light of regional and European developments, experts emphasized the importance of accelerating progress so that Romania can benefit from the advantages of this modern power plant as soon as possible. The Mintia project represents a key step in the country's efforts to diversify and strengthen its energy sources, especially as energy security becomes a top national and European priority.
According to Mass Global Energy Rom, the main goal of the Mintia plant is to reach an installed capacity of 1,700 MW within this year. Once completed, this facility is expected to become the largest single-site gas-fired power plant in the European Union, setting a record in size and technology. The total investment in the project is estimated at approximately €1.2 billion, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment designed for efficient and sustainable operation.
Testing of the gas turbines is scheduled for this year, with electricity production anticipated to start in September 2026. When fully operational, the plant will significantly contribute to the stability and capacity of the National Electricity System, providing a reliable energy source for Romanian consumers and reducing dependency on imports from other regions. Prime Minister Bolojan highlighted the project's importance for increasing energy production capacity and strengthening national energy security, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting all necessary steps for the project's successful completion and efficient coordination among institutions.
A key aspect of the discussions was the connection of the plant to the natural gas and electricity grids. The government underscored the need to accelerate the finalization of the connection to the National Energy System in collaboration with Transelectrica, Romania’s electricity transmission operator, to meet the commissioning timeline. Completing these connections will enable the plant to operate at maximum capacity, with an estimated annual gas consumption of up to 2.5 billion cubic meters, ensuring optimal and efficient functioning.
Prime Minister Bolojan clearly stated that the government is committed to supporting the rapid completion of grid connections to avoid delays and to ensure the plant’s quick operational start, benefiting both citizens and the national economy.
During the meeting, a significant investment in energy storage capacity was also announced. Mass Global Energy Rom plans to develop a nationwide Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project worth approximately €1 billion. The project aims to establish a total capacity of 2,500 MW across four to five locations, including Mintia. Its primary goal is to balance the energy system by providing power during peak hours at accessible prices, thus improving system reliability and reducing market fluctuations.
Developing these storage capacities will help Romania become more energy independent and align with European targets for reducing carbon emissions. It will also promote the adoption of modern, sustainable technologies, contributing to a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy infrastructure.
In addition to Prime Minister Bolojan, the meeting was attended by high-level representatives, including George Niculescu, President of the National Regulatory Authority for Energy (ANRE), and Raul Gutin, a senior advisor in the Prime Minister’s Chancellery. The discussions sent a clear signal of the government’s commitment to sustainable energy development and attracting strategic investments in infrastructure.
Today’s meeting at the Government Palace reaffirmed Romania’s dedication to investing in modern, efficient energy projects essential for a stable, sustainable, and resilient energy system capable of meeting regional and European challenges. The Mintia gas power plant project, alongside plans to expand storage capacities and modernize infrastructure, represents critical steps toward achieving national energy objectives and strengthening the country’s position within the European energy market.
Frimu Ghinea
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