Romania’s 1st solar and wind energy auction under its CfD scheme was a success, according to the country’s Energy Ministry
As against 1.5 GW of capacity offered, winning projects represent a combined 1.528 GW
Winning bids were 20% to 30% lower for both technologies as against the cap of €82/MWh for onshore wind and €78/MWh for solar PV
Romania has concluded its maiden auction round under the country’s contracts for difference (CfD) scheme, selecting 1.528 GW of new solar PV and wind energy capacity. Winning prices were 20% to 30% lower than the ceiling tariffs, according to the Ministry of Energy.
A total of 48 bids were submitted in response to the tender, representing 1.196 GW for wind and 1.615 GW for solar PV projects. Of these, 47 were considered eligible for the financial evaluation round.
In the final analysis, 11 proposals were selected for solar PV with a combined 432 MW, and 10 applications for onshore wind with a total of 1.096 GW. The ministry had invited proposals for 1 GW onshore wind and 500 MW solar PV capacity.
For onshore wind energy, the weighted average winning bid was determined as €65/MWh, and for solar PV it was €51/MWh. The maximum and minimum bids received for onshore wind were €77.33/MWh and €54.49/MWh, while for solar PV this range was €54.18/MWh and €45.05/MWh.
In the original tender, the bids were capped at €82/MWh for onshore wind and €78/MWh for solar PV, respectively (see Romania Energy Ministry Launches 1st Renewable Energy Auction).
The winning projects secure 15-year power supply contracts and will be funded from the Modernization Fund.
“All our expectations regarding the success of this first auction have been exceeded, which confirms the confidence that investors have in Romania and in the future of our energy system. This financial support mechanism helps stimulate investments in renewable energy projects, reducing financial risks for investors and providing long-term predictability,” said Romania’s Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja.
Romania now plans to launch more CfD tenders for 3.5 GW of solar and wind energy capacity in 2025. The minister also promised a new scheme for storage facilities.