“There is no project company,” say the representatives of CE Oltenia.
The idea of building a new group at Rovinari originated in 2012, but a building agreement between CE OLtenia and Chinese company China Huadian was signed as late as last year.
In this project, the Chinese company should come up with the money, EUR1 billion according with the latest data available, and CE Oltenia would come up with the assets where the new group would be located.
“The project company is expected to be set up in April 2015 and works will start as the necessary licenses and the construction permit are obtained,” added CE Oltenia representatives.
According to them, since the building agreement was signed, in October 2014, several steps have been made, including the completion and forwarding of the feasibility study to China Huadian.
Around 80% of Romania’s thermal power stations are obsolete. Additionally, a large part of the country’s hydropower stations or electricity and natural gas distribution networks also need revamping investments.
According with the latest information, the new group will burn around 6 million tons of coal annually, with the lignite set to be brought from the areas nearing Rovinari station, from Tismana, Pinoasa and Rosia mines.
The construction of the new energy group will take 36 months, according with CE Oltenia officials.
The new group is likely to generate around 5 TWh annually, meaning almost 10% of Romania’s power consumption. According with the latest information available, investors specified the energy output from the new group would be exported to Austria through Hungary and Serbia and to Turkey through Bulgaria.
According to the company’ representatives, 600-700 jobs would be needed for the project to be completed, with another 300-400 jobs set to be created for operation and maintenance activities.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)