DRI, the renewable energy arm of Ukrainian energy company DTEK, has increased its operational renewable generation capacity in Romania to 299 MW. The update follows approval for commercial operation of its 126 MW Vacaresti solar project. The facility is located in Dambovita County.
Operating licence and commissioning status
Romania’s national energy regulator granted an operating licence for the Vacaresti site, enabling full-scale electricity production. The commissioning of the solar plant marks a further milestone in DRI’s expansion within the Romanian renewables market.
Expected output and emissions impact
Company estimates indicate the Vacaresti facility will generate enough electricity annually to supply roughly 50,000 households in Romania. The project is also expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 48,600 tons per year.
Financing structure and offtake arrangements
Project development was financed through funding of up to 60 million euros arranged by UniCredit and Garanti BBVA. The financing was structured on a non-recourse basis.
From January 2027, half of the electricity produced by Vacaresti will be supplied to OMV Petrom. The supply will be delivered under a long-term physical power purchase agreement. DRI said the deal is the largest solar electricity agreement of its kind signed in Romania to date.
Portfolio expansion and planned storage investments
The Vacaresti project is DRI’s fourth fully operational renewable energy asset in Romania. The company’s existing Romanian portfolio includes the Glodeni I and Glodeni II solar plants, along with the 60 MW Ruginoasa wind farm. DRI also announced plans for future investments in battery energy storage systems.
