Romania moves toward first power from Mintia gas plant as grid and financing milestones converge

Romania is edging closer to a key milestone in its energy transition as the new gas-fired power plant at Mintia prepares for its first connection to the national grid within the coming weeks. Transelectrica said the project’s first phase is advancing ahead of schedule, with mid-May now set as the revised target for energizing the first gas turbine.

First turbine online remains the near-term priority

In the immediate run-up to synchronization, work is focused on bringing the first turbine unit online. Once operational, that initial unit is expected to provide more than 575 MW of installed capacity. Before it can be connected to the grid, several technical steps still need completion, including final on-site installations, system testing, staff training, and integration into Romania’s national SCADA control system.

After energization, the turbine will move into a testing phase expected to last at least one month—an important period for validating performance and controls before full grid operations.

Scale-up plans point to a major combined-cycle asset

The broader project calls for development into a combined-cycle gas power plant with total capacity of up to 1,700 MW. If completed as planned, it would rank among Europe’s largest facilities of its type. The plant is projected to generate more than 12,000 GWh annually and is expected to operate for around 30 years.

That longer-term profile matters for investors and policymakers because it positions Mintia as a potential anchor for both Romanian and regional energy security during a transition away from higher-emission generation.

Financing and gas supply build-out support delivery

Funding includes a major loan of approximately $500 million secured earlier this year by Mass Group Holding, supporting an estimated total investment of €1.2–1.4 billion. The project also depends on expanded gas infrastructure: Transgaz has completed a pipeline system designed to supply up to 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

From coal closure to lower-emission generation

The plant is being developed on the site of a former coal-fired facility that was decommissioned due to non-compliance with EU environmental standards. Acquired in 2022 by Mass Global Energy Rom, the site is now being repurposed into what developers describe as a strategic asset supporting Romania’s shift toward lower-emission power while maintaining grid stability throughout the transition.