Approved solar and wind power projects amounting to 6 GW could potentially double Romania's share of green energy, reaching 40%.
Romania's renewable energy sector is on the rise, with significant advancements in wind and solar power projects. According to data from Transelectrica, the current installed solar and wind power capacity in the country stands at 5.5 GW.
In the wind power sector, Romania has at least two major new projects in advanced stages of implementation. The Vifor wind farm expansion is one such project. Phase 1 of the expansion, with a capacity of 192 MW, is under construction and expected to be operational by spring 2026. Phase 2, adding 269 MW to the existing capacity, is planned for commissioning in Q4 2027. This expansion will bring the total capacity of the Vifor wind farm to 461 MW, generating approximately 1.2 TWh annually and avoiding over 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
Another significant project is the Ansthall wind farm, a 96 MW onshore wind project with 15 Vestas 6.4 MW turbines. Construction is scheduled to start in Q3 2025, with commissioning planned for 2027. The Ansthall wind farm has secured a long-term virtual power purchase agreement, marking a step forward in Romania’s renewable energy goals.
Regarding solar power, the new CfD auction in December 2024 awarded 0.5 GW of solar capacity, but specific solar projects in advanced implementation stages in Romania were not detailed in the search results.
These new projects are expected to significantly boost Romania’s renewable electricity production, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable capacity on Romania’s grid. The Vifor wind farm expansion alone is projected to contribute 1.2 TWh annually.
Romania’s new CfD auction framework, which awarded a total of 1.5 GW in renewable capacity (1 GW wind and 0.5 GW solar), aims to mobilize 5 GW of wind and solar capacity overall, marking a substantial advancement in the country’s green energy transition and energy security.
In addition to the Vifor and Ansthall projects, there are 133 solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 4,603 MW in Romania. The operational capacity of solar farms has seen an increase of 573 MW since the beginning of the year, while the operational capacity of wind farms has remained constant. All these solar and wind projects have powers greater than 1 MW.
ANRE has issued establishment permits for these projects, and it is likely that they will be put into operation. The data provided by Transelectrica is as of June 1, according to which Romania had 2,427 MW in operational solar farms and 3,091 MW in operational wind farms as of that date.
These efforts collectively are expected to enhance Romania’s green electricity supply significantly and reduce carbon emissions. The contribution of green energy (excluding hydro) from Romania could potentially double from 20% to 40% due to these new projects. These advancements in Romania’s renewable energy sector are a promising step towards a greener and more sustainable future.
- The environmental science community is excited about Romania's advancements in renewable energy, particularly in the industry sectors of wind and solar power.
- With the Vifor wind farm expansion and the Ansthall wind farm project, Romania's finance sector is showing increased investor confidence in the renewable energy industry.
- As Romania continues to implement and increase its renewable energy capacity, the country is making significant strides in achieving its environmental goals, contributing to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.
