Burduja: East-West Interconnector enters next phase

The feasibility study for the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector 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, the Ministry of Energy announced.

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 release from the Ministry of Energy.

‘The completion of the feasibility study for the HVDC project is an important achievement and marks an essential stage in the transformation of Romania into a regional energy hub and a strategic actor in Europe’s energy security. It is one of the most important energy infrastructure projects of the next decade for our country. That is why I have made it clear: we have no time to waste. We will accelerate all the necessary steps for Romania to become a net exporter of clean energy and a pillar of stability in the region,’ Burduja said in a statement.

The minister stressed that the project is vital for the modernization and balancing of Romania’s electricity transmission network and will ensure the evacuation of significant quantities 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.

‘Internationally, the project contributes to strengthening the integration of the regional and European energy market and increasing the security of supply for consumption in the south-eastern area of ​​Europe, supporting the increase in the possibilities of exporting electricity to neighboring 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. Through this project, we are taking another important step towards achieving the objective for which we work every day at the Ministry of Energy: to have secure energy, at affordable prices for Romanians and economy and green energy – in this order of priorities,’ added Sebastian Burduja.

The HVDC system represents a state-of-the-art technology in electricity transmission, allowing the transmission of large quantities of energy over long distances, with minimal losses. The planned route will connect the Black Sea to the western border of Romania, passing through Bucharest, and will connect with the energy networks of Hungary and other European states. In practice, the project transforms Romania into a true energy corridor, with an essential role in the continental electricity network.

One of the innovative elements of the project is the use of existing infrastructure corridors, such as the BRUA and Tuzla-Podișor gas pipelines. This approach allows for a significant reduction in the time required to obtain permits, lower costs and reduce the environmental impact. It is a smart and efficient solution that capitalizes on already available assets and can represent a model for future investments in the energy sector.

The high-voltage direct current interconnector will allow the transport of green energy produced in Romania – including from future offshore wind farms in the Black Sea – to consumers in the country and other European countries. At the same time, it will allow Romania to benefit from green energy produced in Azerbaijan when there is a deficit in the SEN.

The project will contribute to the modernization of the national energy transport 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.

‘Through this project, Romania is capitalizing on its own energy potential and actively contributing 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 leader in clean energy,” the statement added.
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