The Iernut Thermal Power Plant will enter commercial operation no later than the end of the first half of 2027, while its synchronization with the National Energy System (SEN) is expected to take place in the first quarter of next year, according to a press release from the Ministry of Energy.
The announcement follows a working visit made today by the Minister of Energy, Dumitru Chisăliță, to the Iernut Thermal Power Plant-a facility of strategic importance for Romania’s energy security. During the visit, the status of the investment project was reviewed, along with the steps required to complete and commission the new power generation capacity, which is being developed by the National Natural Gas Company Romgaz S.A.
“The development project for the Iernut Thermal Power Plant-involving the construction of a new combined-cycle gas turbine plant with an installed capacity of 430 MW-represents one of Romgaz’s strategic investments in the electricity generation sector.” During the discussions, representatives of Romgaz’s management and technical team presented the current status of the project, the progress made in contracting and executing the works-with Romgaz acting as the general contractor-as well as the key objectives for the upcoming period. (…) Following the presentation-during the site visit-of the activities carried out by Romgaz in its capacity as general contractor, the status of existing and ongoing contracts, and the progress achieved on-site by General Electric, there are solid grounds to state that the Iernut Thermal Power Plant will be in commercial operation by the end of the first half of 2027. This is supported by the fact that essential activities are currently underway-and will continue-to prepare for the tests preceding the plant’s synchronization with the National Power System (SEN), which is expected to take place no later than the first quarter of 2027,” the statement notes.
According to the cited source, the completion of the investment at Iernut will contribute to strengthening national energy security, diversifying production capacities, and increasing the flexibility of the National Power System (SEN) by introducing a modern and efficient electricity generation capacity.
The new Iernut Thermal Power Plant has an installed capacity of 430 MW and utilizes modern technology-a combined-cycle system with gas turbines that uses natural gas for efficient electricity generation-with a gross electrical efficiency of 56.4%. Furthermore, the power plant is equipped with a ”Black Start” system-equipment designed to enable the plant to start up without an initial power supply from the external electrical grid-a capability that is essential for supporting the restoration of the National Power System (SEN) in the event of major failures or widespread outages.