Solar PV has become the fastest-growing power source in the country. By the end of 2023, the total installed PV capacity, including both distributed and utility-scale systems, reached 2.85 GW.⁵

Romania anticipates reaching a total capacity of 8.3 GW by 2030.⁶

⁷⁸

Coal and Hydro

Not available

Natural gas

Generation price is not given but;

• The sale price of natural gas in Romania was approximately $33.85 per MWh before taxes.

Solar

• The electricity generation price for solar energy in Romania has been set at approximately $99.33/MWh for projects participating in the country’s first renewable auction under a contract-for-difference (CfD) scheme.

⁹

• The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Romania is typically very high, usually between 22 to 24 hours per day. Romania’s electrical grid is stable, and outages are rare, particularly in urban areas.¹⁰
• As for the average interruption of electricity, in 2017, it was approximately 2.76 minutes.

Current installation¹¹

As of early 2024, Romania had seen a significant increase in the number of residential solar installations, particularly among prosumers—individuals who both consume and produce electricity via their own photovoltaic panels. According to the data:

• By 2024, number of Romanians with photovoltaic panels increased to 78,282, with 77,638 of these being connected to the national grid

Projected installations¹²

• 5.6 million Homes are target for photovoltaic installations.

Installed Solar Farms¹³

As of the latest data, Romania has over 880 large-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects.

Projected Solar Farms¹⁴

The future projects are at various stages of development, with many in the early stages. Following is the information available for projected solar farms.

• As of February 2024, there are 642 projects in the initial stages (PMR 1).
• The years 2024 and 2025 are expected to see the completion of over 400 large-scale PV projects as well.
• A smaller number (60 projects) are also in the construction phase.

Current Demand¹⁵

The demand for off-grid floating solar panels in Romania is relatively niche at the moment, with limited but existing examples such as the 1 MW TMK Hydro energy Power plants.

• The 1 MW floating solar power plant on the Grebla reservoir is a notable example of an off-grid floating solar installation in Romania. This indicates an existing interest and application of off-grid floating solar technology in the country.
• While most large-scale floating solar projects are grid-connected, there is a niche but growing interest in off-grid solutions for specific applications like powering remote areas or smaller communities. However, details on the exact number of off-grid projects are limited.

Projected Demand¹⁶

• As Romania explores various applications of solar technology, including off-grid solutions, the demand for off-grid floating solar panels is likely to increase. This could be driven by needs for energy in remote or isolated areas and specific projects requiring off-grid capabilities.
• Although the current focus seems to be on grid-connected floating solar systems, there is potential for future projects and investments in off-grid floating solar solutions, especially if there is a demonstrated need for decentralized energy sources in Romania’s remote or underserved areas.
• The increasing focus on battery energy storage systems in Romania’s solar sector could support the growth of off-grid floating solar panels, as these systems often pair with storage solutions to provide continuous power independent of the grid.

Exact figure is not given but;

Current Demand for On-Grid Solar Panels in Romania¹⁷

• Romania’s current demand for on-grid solar panels is substantial and rapidly growing.
• The country is set to see significant developments with major projects such as Restart Energy’s 500 MW solar park, scheduled to begin construction in Q2 2025 and complete by the end of 2026.
• This project alone will supply power to approximately 200,000 households and deliver over 800,000 MWh annually, underscoring the robust demand for on-grid solar technology.
• Additionally, European Energy has secured grid connection approvals for around 500 MW of solar and wind projects, with a development pipeline exceeding 1.5 GW, further reflecting strong demand for solar infrastructure.
• The ongoing investment in grid-integrated technologies, including Renera Energy’s 50 MW floating PV project, supports this growing demand, demonstrating Romania’s commitment to expanding its solar energy capabilities.

Projected Demand for On-Grid Solar Panels¹⁸

• The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (INECP) aims to increase solar capacities to 8.3 GW by 2030. This ambitious target signifies a substantial future demand for on-grid solar panels.
• With over 1.5 GW in the pipeline, European Energy’s planned projects will significantly contribute to Romania’s on-grid solar capacity. The company’s ongoing efforts to secure additional grid connections and the upcoming support scheme for Contracts for Difference (totaling 5 GW) are expected to drive further development and demand.
• The Romanian government’s renewable energy support schemes, including the auction for Contracts for Difference, are likely to boost on-grid solar panel demand. Additionally, the potential for hybrid projects that combine solar, wind, and battery storage technologies could further enhance the demand.
• Advances in solar technology and efficiency improvements will contribute to increased demand for on-grid solar panels as the technology becomes more effective and cost-efficient.

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer working in Romania typically earns an average annual salary of about $13,600, with a range from $7,100 to $20,700.¹⁹

The current population of Romania is 19,000,759.²⁰

Estimate for Factory Rent

Average Warehouse Rental Cost

The rent for industrial and logistics space in Romania averaged approximately $5.07 per square meter in 2023. The most expensive city was Bucharest, with the same price of around $5.07 per square meter, followed by Cluj-Napoca at approximately $5.02 per square meter per month.²¹

Business Electricity Price

Romanian large-sized industrial consumers pay an average price of $207 per MWh of electricity.²²

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages:

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer working in Romania typically earns an average annual salary of about $13,600, with a range from $7,100 to $20,700.¹⁹

Rent for Office Space²³

• Private Offices: Office spaces in Romania range from $150 to $328 per person per month.
• Day Offices: You can rent a day office starting from $41 per day.
• Office Membership: Flexible office memberships offer access to offices for 5, 10, or unlimited days per month, starting at $127 per month.
• Locations to estimate rents as an example:
• Iulius Business Centre (Cluj-Napoca): Private offices from $284 per month, day offices from $86 per day.
• Expo Business Park (Bucharest): Private offices from $202 per month, day offices from $62 per day.
• City Gate (Bucharest): Private offices from $284 per month, day offices from $68 per day.

Electricity Generation²⁴

• In 2023, Romania generated over 70% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, with remaining percentage by hydropower, nuclear energy, wind , and solar.
• However, around 30% of its electricity still relies on fossil fuels.
• The country’s commitment to clean energy is evident, but further expansion of nuclear and wind energy could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance its sustainability efforts.

 Transmission & Distribution²⁵

• Electricity transmission in Romania is solely managed by the National Energy Transport Company, Transelectrica SA, which is approximately 59% state-owned and publicly traded on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
• Romania currently has six electricity distribution system operators (DSOs), including Distribuție Energie Oltenia SA, Delgaz Grid SA, Distribuție Energie Electrică Romania SA (DEER), Rețele Electrice Banat SA, Rețele Electrice Dobrogea SA, and Rețele Electrice Muntenia SA.
• These companies manage eight distinct network areas, with DEER overseeing three of them. Each operator holds a distribution service concession agreement for their respective areas.

Energy Access²⁶

• Energy poverty in Romania affects 28% of the population, leaving around 5 million people struggling with energy bills and heating their homes.
• While Romania is still aiming for full electrification, 7% of households lack access to electricity, and many rural residents rely on wood for heating.
• The EU is supporting Romania with funds and initiatives to combat energy poverty, improve access to energy, and promote a just green transition.

Energy Exports⁹

• According to the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), Romania’s energy production in 2022 reached 53 TWh, with imports totaling 5.9 TWh.
• Household consumers used 13.5 TWh of electricity, while non-household users consumed 36.7 TWh.
• Additionally, energy exports amounted to 4.6 TWh.

Here are some of the specific laws, programs, and initiatives related to solar energy, in Romania, as outlined in the document:²⁷

Law No. 254/2022:

• This law aims to streamline the permitting process for renewable energy facilities, including solar projects, especially those developed on agricultural lands with lower soil fertility. However, the interpretation of this law by the Ministry of Agriculture has limited its application to lands of up to 50 hectares, which may affect larger solar projects​

Law 166/2023:

• Amends the Construction Law No. 50/1991, allowing building permits for renewable energy projects to be issued even without prior urban planning documents. This law also introduces exceptions to the general provisions of the Urbanism Law 350/2001.

Law 155/2020:

• Introduced specific provisions for new storage facilities, particularly in the context of managing electricity generated from renewable sources.

RES Support Scheme (Law 220/2008):

• This scheme was crucial in the development of Romania’s renewable energy market, providing green certificates (GCs) to eligible producers of RES electricity. It applied to capacities accredited until December 31, 2016, and facilitated the dynamic growth of solar and wind projects .

Amendment to Construction Law No. 50/1991:

• In June 2023, this law was amended to facilitate the issuance of building permits for renewable energy projects, including solar power, even in the absence of a General Urbanism Plan (PUG) or a Zoning Urbanism Plan (PUZ). This amendment reduces bureaucratic obstacles, enabling faster development of solar projects​(RES-guide-Romania).

²⁷

Contracts for Difference (CfD) Support Scheme:

• The Romanian government has been developing a CfD support scheme, which stabilizes income for renewable energy producers by setting a fixed price level, known as the “strike price.” This scheme provides a predictable investment environment by allowing investors to secure electricity prices over a longer period, protecting them from wholesale price volatility​.

Green Certificates (GCs) Support Scheme:

• A state-aid measure approved by the European Commission, the GCs support system was applicable for all renewable energy capacities accredited until 31 December 2016. Eligible producers of RES-Electricity, including solar power, received GCs based on the amount of electricity produced and delivered to the grid. These certificates could then be traded on the GCs market, providing a direct financial incentive to solar energy producers

Modernisation Fund for Renewable Energy Projects:

• The Ministry of Energy published a draft ordinance to implement and manage funds allocated through the Modernisation Fund. This fund aims to finance renewable energy projects in Romania​.

Legislation for Simplified Development on Extra-Muros Land:

• In July 2022, new legislation was approved that simplifies the development of renewable energy generation facilities on extra-muros land up to 50 hectares​

Government Subsidies and Financial Support:

• National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP): Romania’s NRRP includes substantial funding for green energy projects, including solar power. A significant part of this plan involves subsidies for solar panel production, with aims to enhance the renewable energy mix in the country. For example, under the NRRP, the government has allocated funds to develop renewable energy production capacities, including solar, with an expected development of 3,692 MW in solar photovoltaic energy by 2030​.

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Current Projects:

Restart Energy’s 500 MW Solar Park

• Location: Romania
• Capacity: 500 MW
• Status: Planned construction start in Q2 2025, completion by end of 2026
• Annual Output: Over 800,000 MWh
• Power Supply: 200,000 households

European Energy’s 500 MW Grid project

• Location: Romania
• Capacity: 500 MW
• Status: Grid connection approvals secured; nearing ready-to-build stage

Renera Energy’s 50 MW Floating PV Project

• Location: Romania
• Capacity: 50 MW
• Status: Floating PV expected to be grid-connected soon

9 MWp Solar PV Power Plant

• Location: Near Făget, Timiș County, Romania
• Capacity: 3.9 MWp
• Annual Production: 5.8 GWh
• Revenue (2024): EUR 550,000
• Modules: 7,280 photovoltaic modules

Projected Projects:

CCE’s New Projects for 2024

• Total Planned Capacity: Over 200 MW of ground-mounted solar systems
• Specific Projects
  • Izvoarele: 62 MW
  • Peris 1: 61 MW
  • Peris 2: 57 MW
  • Crevedia: 54 MW
  • Total Capacity: Almost 400 MW planned for 2024 construction and grid commitment

CCE’s Horia 1 Project

• Location: Romania
• Capacity: 42 MW
• Status: Under construction

Company Name: Sunshine Solar Energy
Website: sunshinesolarenergy.com
Phone: +40213208525 / +40721585868
Location: Str. Matache Dobrescu 10, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania

Services:

• Land Retrieval: Scouting and securing land for renewable energy projects through long-term contracts.
• Authorizations: Managing the authorization process, engaging with necessary institutions for project approvals.
• Public Tenders: Preparing proposals for EU CAPEX support and maintaining relationships with key decision makers.
• Technical Solutions: Defining technology solutions with international EPC contractors.
• Solar Energy Development: Development and deployment of solar panels, photovoltaic systems, and solar power systems in Romania.
• Renewable Energy Projects: Offering expertise in renewable energy projects including solar and wind technologies.

Expertise: Renewable energy project facilitation from inception to completion, particularly focused on solar and wind energy projects in Romania.

Company Name: MSG Romania
Website: http://www.msgromania.ro
Telephone Number: +40744307714
Business: Solar parks PV EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction)

Services
It offers various investment opportunities in PV solar projects in the Banat region of Romania. They provide options for turnkey projects, project development, and EPC services, including flexible payment terms (payment after one year) and financing through international partners like Unicredit and German leasing companies. They also offer green certificate trading through brokers.

Company Name: Solarity
Website: http://www.solarity.ro
Telephone Number: Not provided
Email: Office@solarity.ro

Business: Renewable Energy Company (Solar Farm Development using Photovoltaic Technology)
Services

• Acquiring surface rights for solar farm development
• Site selection
• Preliminary assessments & site design
• System study and technical projects
• Construction permits
• Ready-to-build solar projects
• Construction, commissioning, and operation of solar farms

Partnering Opportunities

Solarity is actively seeking investors and partners to collaborate on renewable energy projects, especially for promoting solar farm installations in Romania. They emphasize transparency, integrity, and long-term partnerships.