The Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has adopted several changes to the grid connection processes, including the implementation of an auction-based grid connection mechanism for power stations above 5 MW from 2026.
The Romanian National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has approved a competitive auction-based mechanism for grid connections of new power stations of at least 5 MW. The new rule will come into effect from January 1, 2026.
The approved methodology reflects the process outlined in the draft proposals published earlier this year. Auctions will take place annually, with a ten-year allocation period starting from the second year after the auction.
The Romanian transmission system operator, Transelectrica, will determine and publish the available capacity for each zone of the grid by January 15 of each year. Transelectrica will then organize daily auction sessions from July 1, with the starting prices being calculated by dividing the total estimated value of the grid development works by the total available grid capacity.
George Niculsecu, president of ANRE, has said that the new methodology “promotes a mechanism that ensures a competitive environment that provides better predictability in the energy system.”
ANRE has also made a number of immediate changes to Romania’s grid connection processes, including new rules for financial guarantees. The guarantee, which was previously required before concluding a connection, is now a condition for granting a new grid connection permit above 1 MW and amounts to 5% of the connection tariff.
The guarantee, which can take the form of a bank guarantee, term deposit or direct payment, can be enforced by the grid operator if the connection agreement has not been signed, the resulting payments have not been made, and no building permit has been obtained by the grid operator. legal deadline, the project is not completed within the deadline of the connection agreement or the investor abandons the project.
The change applies to all current applications for which a grid connection permit has not yet been issued, not only to future applicants. Lawyers from Bucharest-based law firm Nyerges & Partners say the changes make the financial guarantee “an efficient tool that limits the artificial grid blockages caused by infeasible projects or projects without sources of financing.”
Other immediate changes approved by ANRE concern grid calculations in the testing phase of the project, requiring grid operators to submit monthly updates on grid status and offering 12-month extensions to the construction permit, subject to delays beyond their control from investors and a financial guarantee of 5% of the total costs. connection fee.
ANRE has also ordered that any pending application for grid connection without a permit granted will be terminated on January 1, 2026, as the new auction comes into effect. “Given that the timing for completing the grid connection process is largely beyond the control of investors and significant delays are common, this principle poses major risks for initiating new investments,” Nyerges & Partners lawyers said. “This obligation is expected to encourage grid operators to accelerate the connection process.”
The Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association said it expects the country to add at least 3 GW of renewable energy by 2026, with solar accounting for around 2 GW of the total. Statistics from the International Renewable Energy Agency show that Romania had installed 1,414 MW of solar power by the end of 2022.
In July, the Romanian parliament passed a bill requiring prosumers with PV systems with a capacity of 10.8 kW to 400 kW to install energy storage systems.
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