Speaking at a news conference, Nita said the feasibility study for the project should be completed in two to three weeks.
“In February, the project will be auctioned off,” Nita told reporters. He said the local authorities have been asked to expropriate several plots of land in the region.
The Tarnita-Lapustesti project is expected to cost around EUR1.3 billion and its construction is estimated to take around 7 years. When completed, the plant will be the largest hydroelectric load balancing system in Romania, with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts.
In late 2013, Romania has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese company for the construction of the hydropower plant.
“As per the European principle of transparency, we will organize a public auction for the project. This could prompt other investors to come forward as well,” Nita said.