EnergMin Burduja: East-West interconnector enters the next phase

A feasibility study for the high-voltage direct current interconnector (HVDC) that will cross Romania from the Black Sea coast to the Hungarian border has been completed and confirms the technical feasibility and economic viability of the project, according to the Romanian Ministry of Energy.The project, developed by Transelectrica, together with TAQA (Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC), Meridiam (France) and E-INFRA (Romania), is supported by the Ministry of Energy. The study, carried out by the Italian company CESI - an international leader in energy engineering and research - confirms the technical feasibility and economic viability of the project, underlining its strategic importance for regional and European energy security, according to a press statement released by the Ministry of Energy on Wednesday."The completion of the feasibility study for the HVDC project is an important achievement and marks an essential step in transforming Romania into a regional energy hub and a strategic player in Europe's energy security. It is one of the most important energy infrastructure projects of the next decade for our country. That's why I said clearly: we don't have time to lose. We will speed up all the necessary steps for Romania to become a net exporter of clean energy and a pillar of stability in the region," Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja is quoted as saying in the statement.The minister added that the project is vital for the modernisation and balancing of Romania's electricity transmission network and will ensure the transmission of significant amounts of electricity that will be generated following the completion of Romania's strategic investments in Units 3 and 4 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, as well as in the offshore and onshore wind projects in the Dobrogea area."At the international level, the project contributes to strengthening the integration of the regional and European energy market and increasing the security of supply of consumption in the South-East of Europe, supporting the increase of the possibilities of exporting electricity to neighbouring countries. The project is an integral part of the Green Corridor, which will connect Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary, as well as other countries in the region. Under this project, we are taking another important step in achieving the objective for which we work every day at the Ministry of Energy: safe energy at affordable prices for Romanians and green economy and energy - in this order of priorities," added Burduja.The HVDC system is a state-of-the-art technology in the transmission of electricity, allowing the transmission of large amounts of energy over long distances, with minimal losses. The planned route will connect the Black Sea to Romania's western border, passing through Bucharest, and will connect with the energy networks of Hungary and other European states. Basically, the project transforms Romania into a real energy corridor, with an essential role in the continental electricity grid.One of the innovative elements of the project is the use of existing infrastructure corridors, such as those of the BRUA and Tuzla-Podisor gas pipelines. This approach allows to significantly reduce the time it takes to get permits, cut costs and reduce environmental impact. It is said to be a smart and efficient solution that leverages the assets already available and can be a model for future energy investments.The high-voltage direct current interconnector will allow the transmission of green energy, produced in Romania - including from the future offshore wind farms in the Black Sea - to consumers in the country and in other European states. At the same time, it will allow Romania to benefit from green energy produced in Azerbaijan when there is a deficit in the national grid.The project will contribute to the modernisation of the national energy transmission system and will position Romania as a strategic energy hub in the region. In addition, the project is compatible with other major European infrastructure initiatives, such as SuedLink or NordLink, and will support the formation of an interconnected energy network from the Black Sea to the North Sea."Under this project, Romania capitalises on its own energy potential and actively contributes to the energy security of the European Union. The HVDC interconnector strengthens regional cooperation, supports market stability and provides a more predictable framework for energy prices, with direct benefits for end consumers. The project marks an essential stage in the national energy transition strategy and reconfirms the commitment of the Ministry of Energy to transform Romania into a regional clean energy leader."