The Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has approved a new methodology for the allocation of electricity grid capacity of new production sites equal or above 5 MW based on a competitive auction-based mechanism, which will come into force from 1 January 2026. The mechanism plans to hold auctions on a yearly basis, offering 10-year allocation periods starting two years after the auction takes place. Romania’s power transmission system operator, Transelectrica, will be responsible for the determination and publication of the available capacity for each zone of the grid. Daily auction sessions will start from 1 July with starting prices calculated by dividing the total estimated value of the grid development works by the total available grid capacity. The mechanism aims to ensure a competitive environment with a better predictability in the energy system.
The ANRE also announced immediate changes to Romania’s grid connection processes, now requiring a financial guarantee as a prerequisite for any new or ongoing application for a grid connection permit above 1 MW. Grid operators will also be required to submit monthly updates on grid status and to offer 12-month building permit extensions (conditional to delays outside of investor’s control and a financial guarantee of 5% of the connection tariff).
Transelectrica estimates that a total of 12 GW of new capacity should be installed by 2031, including 3.8 GW of solar, 3.1 GW of gas, 2.3 GW of wind, and 2 GW of nuclear.
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