CE Oltenia and OMV Petrom Partner to Build Solar PV Plants on Coal Land
In a landmark move for Romania’s energy future, state-owned coal producer CE Oltenia has partnered with OMV Petrom, Southeast Europe’s largest integrated energy company, to begin construction on a massive 550 MW solar power initiative. This ambitious project will see former coal mining lands transformed into hubs of clean energy, marking a significant step in the country’s transition away from fossil fuels.
The undertaking is not a single plant but comprises four distinct photovoltaic parks built on repurposed land. Construction officially kicked off in late 2025, demonstrating a tangible commitment to green energy goals. This partnership is a cornerstone of the evolving Romania solar power: Stunning 2024 Plant Deal Emerges, showcasing a strategic shift for both CE Oltenia and the national energy grid. By turning liabilities of the carbon era—former mining sites—into assets for a renewable future, the project serves as a powerful symbol of a just transition.
Deploying a project of this magnitude requires a deep understanding of solar technology. The installation will involve hundreds of thousands of individual solar panels, each a product of a complex solar panel manufacturing process. The efficiency and durability of these panels depend on the quality of the solar panel raw materials used, such as high-purity silicon.
Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing clarifies the industrial scale and technological sophistication behind this 550 MW development. The entire operation relies on advanced solar panel manufacturing machines to produce panels capable of powering thousands of homes. While specific investment details for this project have not been fully disclosed, reviewing a typical solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown provides insight into the significant capital required to build such extensive green infrastructure.
The collaboration between CE Oltenia and OMV Petrom is more than just an energy project; it is a blueprint for how nations can pivot from carbon-intensive legacies toward a sustainable and prosperous future powered by renewable energy.
To learn more about the technology and processes that make large-scale solar projects like this possible, explore our comprehensive free e-course.
