Romania Awards 2.75 GW of Clean Energy in Latest Auction, Cementing Leadership in Southeast Europe.
Romania has taken a decisive step toward transforming its energy landscape with the successful conclusion of its second major Contracts for Difference (CfD) renewable energy auction.
Nearly 2.75 GW of new solar and wind capacity was awarded, bringing the total capacity supported across two auctions to over 4.2 GW, and securing Romania’s place as one of the most dynamic clean energy markets in Southeast Europe.
Preparing for the 15th edition of Future Energy Forum Romania, which will be in Bucharest on October 10th – https://vorevents.com/romania/ – The Voice of Renewables spoke directly with key officials and energy experts behind this success to gain insight into the country’s emerging energy leadership, market confidence, and long-term potential.
Solar Shines Bright, Wind Faces Headwinds
The August 2025 auction allocated 1,488 MW of solar and 1,260 MW of wind. Solar was oversubscribed, with winning bids averaging €40.46/MWh—a nearly 20% drop from the first auction in 2024. Wind, on the other hand, faced more limited uptake and higher bids, averaging €73.8/MWh.
“In this auction round, we attracted investments for 2,751 MW of clean and cheap energy – 37% more than the 2,000 MW target assumed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR),” said Bogdan Ivan, Romania’s Minister of Energy, speaking to The Voice of Renewables. “And at prices up to 50% lower than the maximum allowed.”
Investor Confidence Soars
The CfD mechanism – offering 15-year price guarantees – is credited with unlocking a wave of institutional and international capital. Projects supported under these auctions are now seen as bankable, with developers citing lower risk, stronger financing options, and greater long-term certainty.
Sebastian Burduja, who served as Minister of Energy during the 2024 auction, told The Voice of Renewables that the results exceeded expectations across the board.
“We had a significant number of participants, and the resulting prices are very competitive—20–30% below the maximum thresholds. All our expectations were exceeded, which confirms the confidence that investors have in Romania and in the future of our energy system.”
From Pilot to Proven Model
The first CfD round in December 2024 saw 1.528 GW of capacity awarded, including 432 MW of solar at an average price of €51/MWh, and 1,096 MW of wind at €65/MWh. The second round’s even lower solar prices and broader participation signaled a maturing, competitive market.
“Simplicity and transparency were key,” said Sorin Elisei, Director of Energy Policy at the Ministry of Energy, in a conversation with The Voice of Renewables.
“It exceeded our expectations. The process was transparent, clear, and well communicated. That’s why CfD pricing is now being used as a benchmark for Power Purchase Agreements in the private sector.”
Winners and Projects: A Snapshot
Among the major winners in solar:
- Rezolv Energy secured 520 MW for its Dama Solar project—one of the largest PV parks in Europe.
- Enery Elements won multiple bids for its Baboia and Ogrezeni projects, including the lowest solar price at €35.77/MWh.
- Engie Romania secured 170 MW at €45.2/MWh.
In the wind category:
- Midmar Callatis (Rezolv affiliate) offered the lowest wind bid at €65.17/MWh for its Dunărea East project.
- OX2, OMV Petrom/Green Labs, Ecoener Carpatica, and Eurowind Energy were among other major winners.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the successes, wind energy struggled to meet its 2 GW quota. Developers cited permitting delays, grid bottlenecks, and site availability as major hurdles. With transmission infrastructure under pressure, Romania’s ability to absorb and distribute new capacity is now in the spotlight.
Burduja acknowledged the need for grid modernization:
“We must now match ambition with infrastructure. Investment in grid flexibility and storage will determine how much of this capacity becomes reality.”
Looking Forward: The Road to 2030
With over 4 GW of new capacity already secured under CfDs, Romania is well-positioned to exceed its 2030 NECP targets: 10.4 GW of solar and 5.3 GW of wind. Policymakers are expected to announce additional CfD rounds in 2026, potentially expanding to include battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hybrid projects.
“The auctions were just the beginning,” said Minister Ivan. “We are now entering a decisive phase where delivery, not just ambition, will define our energy future.”
Romania at the Forefront of Clean Energy in Eastern Europe
As CfD-backed projects begin construction in late 2025 and early 2026, Romania is transitioning from renewable energy laggard to regional leader – attracting developers, manufacturers, and financiers across the European clean energy ecosystem.
With a combination of political will, market design, and investor appetite, Romania’s energy future looks not just green – but bankable.
Romania’s second CfD auction in 2025 marks a pivotal moment – tangible, large-scale solar deployment, competitive pricing, and a proven policy model. The real test now lies in rolling out the infrastructure to match these ambitious ambitions.
15th edition of Future Energy Forum Romania will be in Bucharest on October 10th – https://vorevents.com/romania/