Fourteen companies in Romania’s food industry are investing EUR 25.5 million to install PV panels, backed by over EUR 17.1 million from the Modernisation Fund. These projects, each exceeding 1 MW in capacity, aim to increase self-consumption and promote the use of renewable energy in the food industry.
Non-Refundable Funding Boosts Investments
Fourteen leading food industry companies are spearheading a significant transition to renewable energy by installing large-scale photovoltaic (PV) panel systems. According to Economica.net, this push is designed to ensure energy self-consumption for the businesses, reducing their reliance on traditional power sources.
The availability of non-refundable funding has been a major driver for this initiative. Over EUR 17.1 million of the total investment comes from the Modernisation Fund, a program managed by the Ministry of Energy. This scheme, designed to support green energy projects, is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agency for Financing Rural Investments.
In total, the Ministry of Energy has allocated EUR 20.2 million from the Modernisation Fund to promote solar energy projects with capacities exceeding 1 MW. These investments are part of a broader strategy to boost the use of green energy across Romania’s agricultural and food industries.
Carmistin Group: Leading the Way in PV Panels Installation
The Carmistin Group, a prominent player in Romania’s meat production sector, stands out as the largest investor. Through its subsidiary Avicarvil, the group is committing EUR 5.2 million to two solar energy projects in Mihăești, Vâlcea, and Târgu Jiu, with EUR 3.3 million of that amount coming from non-refundable funding.
The projects will add a combined solar capacity of 7.1 MW, consisting of 4.5 MW from PV panels and 2.6 MW from a photovoltaic power plant. These installations will serve Avicarvil’s production units and support its extensive poultry processing operations.
In 2023, Avicarvil opened a new poultry slaughterhouse in Vâlcea following a EUR 75 million investment. The company processes over 30 million chickens annually and maintains its position as a leading poultry producer, although it reported net losses of 16.2 million lei.
Other Key Investors
Other companies are also making significant investments to improve sustainability and reduce their environmental impact. Maxime Prime is investing EUR 4.6 million to build a 4.9 MW photovoltaic park in Chiscani, Brăila, which represents the largest single capacity among the 14 projects.
Pasta producer Sam Mills International, part of the Danish group Givesco, is funding a EUR 2.2 million solar energy project in Botiz, Satu Mare. This will create a 2 MW capacity, supported by EUR 1.5 million in non-refundable funds.
Separately, the Morandi Group, known for its Fermele Moraru poultry brand, is investing EUR 1.8 million to develop a 3.5 MW solar capacity in Vaslui, with grants covering EUR 1.5 million of the cost.
Europig, part of the Sergiana Group, is contributing EUR 1.72 million toward a 3.3 MW capacity project, backed by EUR 1.2 million in non-refundable funding.
Meanwhile, meat and dairy producer Unicarm is investing EUR 1.7 million in a 2.4 MW project that also leverages significant grant support.
Broader Renewable Energy Initiatives
The Ministry of Energy’s EUR 20.2 million allocation from the Modernisation Fund underscores its commitment to renewable energy expansion. While the approved budgets provide significant funding, companies must cover additional costs themselves. Expenses such as feasibility studies and project management are ineligible for support under the current scheme.
Seventeen companies — including the 14 food industry leaders — have benefited from the Aid Scheme for Renewable Energy Investments. This program supports new electricity production capacities designed for self-consumption within the agricultural and food sectors.
With major players like Carmistin, Maxime Prime, and Sam Mills leading the charge, the future of green energy in Romania looks promising. The success of these projects could inspire other industries to follow suit and accelerate the country’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
