Romania has started the first gas turbine at the Mintia power plant, moving a $1.2 billion-plus private project closer to its first deliveries into the national grid and toward a planned 1,700-megawatt capacity that could materially trim electricity imports.
Romania Mintia gas turbine starts at power plant
The development matters because Mintia is one of the country’s largest new generation builds in years and comes at a time when Romania needs more dispatchable power in the evening and winter peaks. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said the plant will mean “more energy produced in the country, less imports,” framing it as a direct boost to supply security in a system that has leaned on outside electricity during tight periods.
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Bolojan said the first firing of gas turbine No. 1 took place on Thursday, followed by testing and synchronization with the grid before initial megawatts are delivered to the System National Energy. The combined-cycle plant will ultimately include two gas turbines with about 1,100 MW together, and roughly 1,700 MW after the full cycle is completed.
For investors, the milestone is a sign that the project is advancing from construction risk toward commissioning risk, which is usually a better stage for valuation and cash-flow visibility. It also strengthens the case for gas-fired assets in Eastern Europe as utilities and governments look for flexible capacity to back up intermittent renewables and reduce exposure to imported electricity.
The Mintia site, built on the former coal plant location, is part of a broader regional shift away from aging thermal assets toward lower-emission gas capacity. Bolojan said the project should work alongside the Iernut plant next year to bolster Romania’s energy security, although the immediate market focus will be on whether testing, synchronization and commercial operation stay on schedule.
| Entity | Gains | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Mintia project backers | ▲Nearer commercial operation | ▼Construction and commissioning risk |
| Romania’s grid | ▲More dispatchable capacity | ▼Import dependence |
| Domestic consumers | ▲Better supply security | ▼Exposure to tight winter peaks |
| Power importers | ▲Lower demand from Romania | ▼Lost cross-border sales |
