Specialist estimates, according to which solar energy could be the new boom of the renewable sector, now seem to get more credit.
Dwindling costs for the necessary equipment, and in particular the support scheme made available by the Romanian state, which after three years is now fully effective, are the factors that fuel investor appetite for solar farms.
Data from January 10 2012, published by Transelectrica, show that at present 51 solar projects have contracts to join the energy grid, so works can start. These projects have a total capacity of nearly 210.3 MW and would entail an around EUR500 million investment.
According to Transelectrica data, 14 projects with a capacity of around 61 MW are set to become operational in 2012, with investments to amount to around EUR150 million.
Four projects will be carried out in Prahova county, 2 in Timis, 2 in Olt, 2 in Dolj and one in each of Gorj, Dambovita, Braila and Botosani counties.
Whereas wind projects were mainly concentrated in the Dobrogea area, a region with very good wind potential, solar farms are spread all across Romania, from Arad to Constanta.
Prahova county boasts the largest number of such investments – 8, while Timis and Bistrita-Nasaud have 6 and 5 solar projects respectively.
Last year producers of equipment for such investments said Romania would also be a good breeding ground for solar energy, as costs are declining rapidly.
For instance, Cristian Secosan, general manager of Siemens Romania, said that whilst in 2009 the photovoltaic panels used for solar farms cost around EUR3 million per MW, now costs are down to EUR2-2.5 million, and the downward trend of prices maintains.
In the case of wind farms, it costs between EUR1.5 and EUR1.7 million to install 1 MW.
However, as opposed to wind energy, solar energy has a major advantage to wind energy, it is much more predictable. Whereas wind farms are dependent on how strong the wind is, solar farms operate half a day. Panels can work even if the day is less sunny, provided there is daylight.
The main drawing force for investors are the subsidies made available by the Romanian state, with solar energy being the most privileged among all forms of renewable energy.
In November 2011, for the first time after more than three years of delay, the green energy support scheme came into full effect. In Romania, as in all EU member countries who chose to promote renewable energy, governments introduced support schemes. The local support scheme involves green certificates and mandatory quotas.
Here is how the scheme works: All producers of green energy receive a number of green certificates per each MWh delivered into the system. The price of such a certificate ranges between EUR27 and EUR55.
These certificates are bought by energy suppliers, such as is the case of Electrica, which are required to have a certain quota of green energy in the basket they deliver to clients.
The number of green certificates bought shows whether or not the quota was fulfilled. Green energy producers can sell their energy on the market at a price dictated by supply and demand.
Whereas up until November of last year each producer of green energy received one certificate, irrespective of the technology used, the support scheme became effective in November, so instead of one certificate, solar energy investors will receive six certificates.
This is the most subsidized type of energy, with wind energy for instance being rewarded with just 2 green certificates.
(English version by Daniela Stoican)