Romania’s Mintia gas-fired power project has reached its first turbine ignition, with the milestone occurring as a €1.2 billion investment progresses toward grid connection. The project is developed by Mass Global Energy Rom on the site of the former Mintia coal-fired power station. The first gas turbine was fired on October 8.
The private investment exceeds €1.2 billion. Two gas turbines are expected to provide approximately 1.1 GW, while the completed combined-cycle configuration is designed to reach around 1.7 GW. The first ignition does not indicate that the plant is commercially operational.
Further testing, grid synchronisation and initial electricity deliveries must be completed before generating capacity becomes available to the market. Mintia has not yet added electricity to the grid, despite the ignition milestone. Commissioning is therefore underway rather than full commercial operation.
Romanian system context and import-linked price levels
The commissioning milestone arrives during a difficult period for Romania’s electricity system. Both Cernavodă nuclear reactors have been unavailable, removing approximately 1.36 GW of baseload generation. As a result, Romania has depended heavily on electricity imports.
Day-ahead prices have repeatedly exceeded €200/MWh, while evening prices have climbed above €300/MWh. Mintia is positioned to change that balance once operational by adding dispatchable generation. The plant’s output would be able to respond to demand peaks and compensate for periods of weak wind, solar or hydropower production.
The combined-cycle configuration is also described as offering higher efficiency than older gas-fired and coal units. For market participants, the timing of grid connection and delivery start remains relevant for when capacity could influence wholesale price formation. Until then, the project remains in commissioning status.
Gas demand outlook and factors for commercial value
Mintia is expected to create significant additional demand for natural gas. This increases the importance of Romania’s domestic gas resources, including the Neptun Deep Black Sea project, which is expected to begin production in 2027. The interaction between new domestic gas supply and modern gas-fired generation is described as supporting energy security while reducing exposure to regional electricity imports.
For lenders and electricity traders, Mintia’s commercial value depends on gas prices, carbon costs, plant efficiency and the number of profitable operating hours. The project would operate in a market shaped by cheap midday solar and expensive evening electricity. That market structure places emphasis on flexible dispatch rather than continuous baseload operation.