The Romanian town of Turceni is embarking on a significant green energy transition, with a €380 million project aimed at transforming its coal industry. Once home to one of Europe’s largest coal plants, only a fraction of its capacity remains operational as the nation moves away from fossil fuels. The local government has partnered with the European Investment Bank to launch a renewable energy hub that includes agrisolar parks, energy storage units, and green hydrogen production. Implementation is set to begin next year, and the project is expected to not only support local economic stability but also align with broader European environmental goals.
The Turceni coal plant, which used to produce 2.3 GW, is now drastically reducing operations, with just two units still functioning. As Europe continues its shift away from coal, this transition is critical for maintaining jobs and the economy in the Gorj region. Mayor Constantin Popescu announced that over 370 hectares, encompassing both municipal and private lands, will be repurposed for clean energy initiatives. Partners in the project, including Bankwatch Romania, are aiding in ensuring the plan aligns with European sustainability standards.
This transformation marks a pivotal moment for Turceni, a town with a population of just under 7,000, as it tries to pivot towards a more sustainable future. In addition to the renewable energy plans, there are ongoing efforts to explore geothermal energy for local heating and agricultural needs. Complexul Energetic Turceni, part of the state-owned Complexul Energetic Oltenia, is adjusting its operations to separate coal activities from new green initiatives, including the development of combined-cycle gas turbine power plants.
The timeline for these projects faces challenges, with existing coal plants experiencing delays in their shutdowns. Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan announced that one nearby plant would close in early January, and the government has requested extensions from the European Commission to delay others’ closures until 2030. Earlier this year, CE Oltenia formed a joint venture with OMV Petrom to build four new solar power plants on lands previously occupied by coal operations, signaling a substantial shift in energy production for the region.