Romania’s Mintia gas-fired power project has entered a further commissioning stage after its first turbine operated on natural gas on October 8. The next steps require additional testing and synchronisation with the national transmission network before deliveries can begin.
The milestone marks the project moving closer to electricity production, following the start of turbine operations on natural gas. First firing is described as an important construction milestone in the commissioning process.
Gas turbine capacity and combined-cycle expansion
The plant includes two gas turbines expected to provide approximately 1.1 GW in the initial configuration. Completion of the combined-cycle system would increase total installed capacity to around 1.7 GW. Additional testing and synchronisation remain part of the path toward operational delivery.
The next material change for the electricity market is expected when tested capacity is synchronised and available for sustained commercial dispatch. Until that point, commissioning activities continue ahead of deliveries.
Site development and investment scale
The Mintia project is being developed on the site of the former coal-fired Mintia station. It involves private investment of more than €1.2 billion. The commissioning stage follows the first turbine’s operation on natural gas.
Winter peak support and role alongside Iernut from 2027
Romanian authorities expect the plant to strengthen supply during winter and evening peaks, when demand is high and solar output is limited. Together with the Iernut gas-fired project, Mintia is expected to improve domestic supply security from 2027.
Additional flexible generation could reduce reliance on imports during tight periods. Its utilisation and commercial competitiveness are expected to depend on gas prices, carbon costs and prevailing electricity prices.
