Engie Romania has introduced a new hybrid power plant to the transmission grid, marking a significant step in the country’s energy transition. The 56.8 MW facility, located in the Gemenele commune of Brăila County, combines wind turbines and solar power, generating a total of 140 GWh per year. This output is sufficient to meet the electricity needs of approximately 46,800 households.
This hybrid plant, situated in Romania’s Muntenia region, integrates a 47.5 MW wind farm with a 9.3 MW solar park spanning 14 hectares. The photovoltaic system features 17,100 bifacial modules mounted on metal trackers that follow the sun. The joint grid connection of these units represents one of Romania’s pioneering hybrid power plants, highlighting the complementary nature of wind and solar power—wind is often stronger in winter and at night, while solar power is generated during sunny days.
With this addition, Engie Romania’s total capacity in the country now stands at 211 MW, comprising three wind power plants with a combined 178 MW and five photovoltaic units. The company’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Cristian Buzan, emphasized the importance of this investment in supporting customers with renewable energy options, long-term purchase contracts, and aiding in carbon emission reductions and cost predictability.
Last year, Engie Romania also initiated the construction of a 37.2 MW solar power plant in Ariceștii Rahtivani commune, Prahova County. Beyond renewable energy, the company is involved in gas distribution and supply, and it is looking to expand into electricity distribution.
Romania’s renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, largely driven by photovoltaics installed by prosumers and local authorities. However, challenges such as grid congestion and insufficient storage capacity persist. The country’s transmission system operator, Transelectrica, projects that coal power plants will be phased out of Romania’s transmission system by 2026, with a formal phaseout deadline set for 2032. Notably, the Ministry of Energy in Bucharest holds a 37% stake in Engie Romania.
