Key Takeaways
- Turceni, Romania is launching a EUR 380 million project to transition from coal power to renewable energy sources.
- The project will utilize agrivoltaics, energy storage, and green hydrogen, with significant partnerships for implementation.
- Implementation is set to begin in 2026, aiming to enhance local electricity production from renewable sources.
Transitioning from Coal to Green Energy
Turceni, a small town in southwestern Romania, is shifting from its dependence on coal power as it embarks on a EUR 380 million renewable energy project. Historically significant, the local coal plant was among Europe’s largest, operating at 2.3 GW. Currently, only two units with a combined capacity of 660 MW remain functional, while many similar facilities in Europe are shutting down due to coal phaseout policies.
To mitigate the potential economic impacts of this transition, the municipal government is exploring innovative energy solutions such as agrivaltaics, energy storage, and green hydrogen production. Mayor Constantin Popescu confirmed that over 123 hectares of municipal land and more than 200 hectares of private land have been designated for these renewable energy initiatives.
The project partners include Bankwatch Romania and GAL Sudul Gorjului, which aim to convert more than 370 hectares into sustainable energy sources. Bankwatch emphasized their significant role in developing the project plan, aligning it with European environmental policies, and securing technical assistance. This shift represents a strategic transformation for a region long reliant on coal.
Investment activities are projected to commence in 2026. Popescu asserted that the project will aid in the region’s just transition by bolstering electricity generation from renewable resources. He also indicated plans to incorporate geothermal energy for district heating and agricultural purposes.
The coal plant in Turceni is part of the larger state-owned Complexul Energetic Oltenia, which is undergoing a restructuring that includes separating coal operations from green energy ventures. Future plans involve developing combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants with capacities of 475 MW in Turceni and 800 MW in nearby Ișalnița to replace coal generation, although these projects have experienced significant delays.
Recently, Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan announced the impending closure of the Ișalnița coal plant in Dolj county, effective January 1. Romania is currently negotiating with the European Commission to postpone the closure of several coal units scheduled for this year to 2030.
Earlier this year, a joint venture between CE Oltenia and OMV Petrom initiated plans for four solar power plants on former coal land, totaling a combined capacity of approximately 550 MW.
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