Romania is seeking a three-year delay from the European Commission for the closure of lignite-fired power plants and coal mines at the Oltenia Energy Complex (CEO), according to a document reviewed by Profit.ro. The request aims to adjust the timeline set in CEO’s restructuring plan, which was previously agreed with Brussels and aligns with national decarbonization goals.
The delay is necessary due to delays in the development of gas-fired power plants, which are intended to replace the coal-based generation capacity. Closing the coal plants on schedule would significantly reduce Romania’s energy production.
Under the current plan, Romania must close lignite-fired plants with a total capacity of 2,085 MW by 2026. However, CEO's new investments, including two gas plants totaling 1,325 MW, eight solar parks totaling 690 MW, and a 10 MW hydroelectric plant, have faced delays.
The solar parks, originally set to begin operation in June 2024, are now delayed, and the gas plants, originally slated for completion by 2026, are now expected to be ready by 2028. The full restructuring plan, initially set to be completed by the end of 2026, will now require an extension.
As a result, CEO plans to hire consultants to propose modifications to the restructuring plan, which will be submitted for approval to the European Commission.
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