Planned start-up of 430 MW Iernut unit
Romgaz is targeting first electricity from its long-delayed Iernut gas-fired power station before the end of 2026. The project has a stated capacity of 430 MW, with the company aiming to bring the plant online as Romania’s power system absorbs more wind and solar generation. Romgaz’s timetable is linked to the availability of additional flexible capacity in the market.
Construction timeline and procurement changes
Work on Iernut began in 2016, but commissioning was pushed well beyond the original schedule due to contractual disagreements and repeated implementation problems. A government memorandum approved in May eased procurement procedures for remaining works. The change is intended to give Romgaz more flexibility to accelerate completion of the project.
Site activity and grid synchronisation plans
Activity at the Iernut site is expected to increase substantially from 1 September. Romgaz believes the plant could be synchronised with the national grid before year-end. The company has not yet confirmed the date for full commercial operation.
Role in balancing rising renewables and intraday volatility
Iernut’s contribution to the Romanian market is described as being based on flexibility as well as headline generating capacity. The new unit is intended to respond to changes in renewable output rather than run continuously as conventional baseload generation. That balancing function is expected to matter more as Romanian solar, wind, and battery capacity expand and intraday volatility increases.
Generation from existing Iernut assets during build-out
Until the new plant becomes available, Romgaz continues generating electricity from existing Iernut facilities. This includes a 200 MW coal unit operating at full capacity. Production from these assets is set to continue while construction and commissioning of the gas-fired station proceed.
