Solar projects reach commercial operation
Nofar Energy has brought 315 MW of solar capacity online in Romania through the Iepuresti and Ghimpati projects. The company has commissioned more than 315 MW of solar capacity in the country via the two sites, following total investment of about €250 million. The Iepuresti plant has 169.4 MW of capacity and is Romania’s largest operating solar facility, while Ghimpati adds a further 146 MW. Commercial operation followed network certification and regulatory approvals.
The two plants were built in parallel over about two years. Their combined output is expected to reach around 430 GWh annually. That generation is equivalent to the electricity use of more than 250,000 households. It is also projected to avoid approximately 160,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Financing package and project timeline
Project financing included a €110 million package agreed in August 2024 with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Raiffeisen Bank International. Part of the financing is backed by an EU InvestEU guarantee. The commissioning process was tied to network certification and regulatory approvals before commercial operation began.
The construction period for both sites ran for roughly two years, with work carried out in parallel. The commissioning figures reported for Romania reflect the combined contribution from Iepuresti and Ghimpati.
Batteries planned alongside solar generation
Nofar is developing a combined battery portfolio at the same sites totaling 280 MW / 860 MWh. The storage systems are intended to shift solar generation into higher-priced periods. They are also described as enabling a stronger role for the projects in balancing the grid.
Since entering Romania in 2021, Nofar has assembled a portfolio of around 800 MW of solar and approximately 1.9 GWh of storage across operating, construction and development assets. The planned batteries are positioned as relevant to longer-term value as Romania’s photovoltaic fleet expands and increases pressure on midday prices.
