The highly anticipated Tarniţa hydroelectric plant, envisioned as a crucial energy storage solution for Romania, has hit a dead-end even before taking off, as reported by National Economic. The Ministry of Energy, through the Society for the Administration of Participation in Energy (SAPE), faced repeated setbacks in launching feasibility studies, culminating in stalled tender processes. The project’s significance in providing energy storage amidst the rise of renewable energy sources contrasts sharply with the Ministry’s missteps.
Initially hailed as a milestone in Romania’s energy strategy, the Tarniţa-Lăpuşteşti hydroelectric project saw its momentum derailed as the Ministry of Energy’s attention waned, with Minister Sebastian Burduja diverting focus elsewhere. The successive failures in tendering for feasibility studies, with bids canceled due to non-compliance or requested extensions, highlight the project’s troubled trajectory.
The first tender in October 2023 failed to attract compliant bids, leading to its cancellation. Subsequently, a second tender launched in January 2024 met a similar fate, further delayed by a 45-day extension following requests from potential bidders. SAPE representatives cited the extension as a measure to enhance competition, but the repeated setbacks cast doubt on the project’s viability.
Despite international interest, evidenced by non-binding offers from companies worldwide, including South Korea, Spain, and Germany, the project’s future remains uncertain. The protracted tender processes have jeopardized the timeline, with estimates suggesting a service period averaging 16 months for feasibility studies, excluding environmental and technical approvals. Additionally, a minimum construction period of five years adds to the project’s complexity.
The Tarniţa-Lăpuşteşti hydroelectric plant, intended to provide up to 1,000 MW of energy storage capacity, is crucial for Romania’s energy transition. As renewable energy sources gain prominence in the country’s energy mix, the need for flexible storage solutions becomes imperative. However, delays in implementing such projects hinder Romania’s energy security and transition objectives.
Unlike its European counterparts, Romania lags in energy storage infrastructure, as highlighted in a 2019 study. While neighbouring countries have invested in pumped-storage hydroelectric plants to bolster energy security, Romania’s inertia in this regard is glaring. The missed opportunities underscore the urgent need for decisive action to bridge the gap and ensure a resilient energy future.
The Tarniţa-Lăpuşteşti hydroelectric project’s demise at the feasibility stage reflects broader challenges in Romania’s energy sector. Addressing these hurdles requires proactive measures and robust regulatory frameworks to enable timely and efficient project implementation. As Romania navigates its energy transition, overcoming such obstacles is paramount to ensure a sustainable and secure energy landscape.
Editor: Andreea Gudin
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