The renewed Turnu Magurele - Nikopol HPP project has been proposed for the status of a cross-border RES project with opportunities for European fundin

The joint project of the "National Electric Company" EAD and the Romanian company "Hydroelectrica" ​​for the construction of the hydrotechnical complex "Turnu Magurele - Nikopol" has successfully passed the evaluation stage and is included in the List of cross-border renewable energy projects of the European Union. The final approval of the list and its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The project is one of three approved for the whole of Europe in 2024. Its inclusion in the list and the prospect of obtaining the status of a cross-border renewable energy project are a significant stage in its development, opening up opportunities to support the project through the Connecting Facility Europe. This was announced today by the National Electric Company.

The project "Construction of the hydrotechnical complex "Turnu Magurele - Nikopol" is an important cross-border initiative between Romania and Bulgaria, aimed at the optimal utilization of the hydropower potential of the Danube River. The complex envisages two channel hydroelectric power plants using state-of-the-art technologies and a large-capacity storage tank.

The project emphasizes environmental sustainability and renewable energy production while meeting the needs of the local population and industry. The implementation of this project will support the joint commitment of Bulgaria and Romania to accelerate the achievement of EU goals in the field of sustainable energy and promote regional cooperation, serving as a model for international cooperation in the field of sustainable infrastructure. Additional complex benefits of the project are road, rail and energy connectivity, improved navigability and flood prevention.

The project will apply for feasibility study funding to the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

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The list of cross-border renewable energy (CB RES) projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in the field of energy was launched for the first time in August 2022 and already includes eight projects.

The implementation of the cross-border projects will contribute to the achievement of the ambitious goals in the field of renewable energy within the framework of the European Green Deal, as well as to the objectives of the REPowerEU plan.

Thanks to the official CB RES status, the eight projects are eligible for financial support for studies and works under the CEF Energy Programme. They also enjoy greater visibility, increased certainty for investors and stronger support from Member States. Some of the projects have already received funding in 2023 and 2024.

CB RES projects are defined by the Connecting Europe Facility Regulation and aim to promote cross-border cooperation between EU countries (and between EU and non-EU countries) in the field of planning, development and cost-effective exploitation of renewable energy sources. CB RES projects can facilitate the integration of RES through energy storage or hydrogen production facilities in order to contribute to the EU's long-term decarbonisation strategy. CB RES projects must be established through a cooperation mechanism as defined in the text of the Renewable Energy Directive.