Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan today visited the site of the new power plant in Mintia, a project considered one of the most important energy investments made in Romania in recent years.
A gas power plant with a capacity of 1,700 MW is being built on the site of the former coal-fired power plant, realized through a private investment of over 1.2 billion euros. Upon completion, it would become the largest single-site gas-fired plant in the European Union.
“The project is more than 83% completed and has a strategic role for Romania’s energy security. It means more energy produced in the country, fewer imports and a better ability to cover consumption in difficult periods, especially in winter”. Ilie Bolojan said in a post published on Facebook.
During the visit, the interim prime minister discussed with the investors, the representatives of Transgaz and Transelectrica about the schedule for the completion of the works and about the necessary measures to comply with the assumed deadlines.
Decisive technical steps before commissioning
In the next period, the interconnection tests between the plant and the power station will begin, a stage considered essential for the integration of production capacities in the national energy system. As planned, the interconnections with the electricity grid will be completed in two stages, starting this month and ending in October.
Also, the natural gas supply to the new plant must be ensured until August, to allow the continuation of tests and the operational preparation of the installation.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for close collaboration between all the institutions involved, so that the technical stages are completed without delay.
Strategic investment for the energy system
The authorities consider the Mintia project a key element in the process of modernizing the national energy system. New production capacity is seen as an important factor for increasing economic competitiveness, ensuring the stability of the energy system and maintaining more predictable prices for consumers.
“Romania needs serious investments in energy, new production capacities and modern infrastructure. Without these we cannot have economic competitiveness, stability and fair prices for citizens”, Ilie Bolojan also transmitted.
