DTEK’s DRI boosts Romania solar output with Vacaresti project approval

DRI, the renewable energy arm of Ukrainian energy company DTEK, has expanded its operating footprint in Romania after receiving approval for commercial operation of a new solar facility. The regulator’s green light increases DRI’s operational renewable generation capacity in the country to 299 MW, underscoring how quickly the company is scaling generation assets in a maturing European clean-energy market.

Vacaresti solar plant licensed for full-scale production

Romania’s national energy regulator granted an operating license for the Vacaresti solar plant located in Dâmbovița County. With the license issued, the site is now officially authorized for full-scale electricity production, marking a key milestone as DRI continues to build its renewable portfolio in Romania.

Household supply and emissions impact

Based on company estimates, the Vacaresti solar facility is expected to generate enough electricity annually to cover the energy needs of approximately 50,000 households in Romania. DRI also projects that the project will support climate objectives by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 48,600 tons per year.

Non-recourse funding and long-term offtake with OMV Petrom

The project’s development was financed through funding of up to €60 million arranged by UniCredit and Garanti BBVA under a non-recourse financing structure. Starting January 2027, half of the electricity produced by Vacaresti will be supplied to OMV Petrom under a long-term physical power purchase agreement. DRI described this contract as the largest solar electricity agreement of its kind signed in Romania to date.

Fourth operational asset and next steps on storage

The Vacaresti project brings DRI’s Romanian portfolio to four fully operational renewable energy assets. In addition to Vacaresti, DRI already operates Glodeni I and Glodeni II solar plants and the 60 MW Ruginoasa wind farm—described as Romania’s first newly constructed wind project in a decade.

Beyond expanding generation, DRI has also announced plans to invest in battery energy storage systems in Romania. The company framed this as part of strengthening its presence while addressing the growing need for energy flexibility and grid stability during Europe’s clean energy transition.