Romania tightens grid connection rules for future projects

The energy regulator of Romania (ANRE) has announced a series of changes to the country’s grid connection and licensing rules.

The regulator is increasing the financial guarantee required to obtain a grid connection permit (ATR) for projects larger than 1 MW from 5% of the connection fee to 20% of the connection fee, excluding VAT.

A statement published by ANRE says it is taking a zero tolerance approach to speculative projects, adding that it wants to reduce the risk of connection capacity reservation and the financial risks carried by network operators when projects are abandoned.

According to figures published by the regulator, there were 1,500 projects greater than 1 MW with valid ATRs in Romania at the start of April, covering a total capacity in excess of 86 GW. 

ANRE President, George Niculescu, commented that too few of these have gone on to obtain construction permits.

“This reality led us to the conclusion that the 5% guarantee was not sufficient to separate projects that block capacity, without the clear intention of capitalizing on it,” Niculescu explained. “Therefore, ANRE decided to increase the financial guarantee to 20% of the connection tariff.”

ANRE is also implementing a separate financial guarantee, set at €30 ($34.83)/kW of installed capacity, when developers apply for construction authorization.

The guarantee will remain in place until construction is completed, with the regulator given the right to seize the guarantee if the project is abandoned or construction is not completed in time.

Developers are required to obtain construction authorization within 12 months of signing a connection contract and within 18 months of receiving an ATR. The new rules give a single extension of up to a year, granted only for reasons outside the developer’s control

“They are not punitive measures, they are selection tools,” Niculescu added. “We want the network to be accessible to projects that are actually being built, not indefinitely reserved for those that are not advancing.”

Of the 1,500 projects with valid ATRs in Romania, 628 have concluded connection contracts and received building permits, with 208 of these also receiving establishment permits issued by ANRE, according to the regulator’s figures from the start of April.

The regulator’s latest reforms add that the new rules also apply to standalone battery storage projects and hybrid energy projects. A total 123 of the 623 projects with connection contracts are associated with storage facilities, according to ANRE’s data, 37 of which are expected to be put into operation this year.

ANRE’s update also includes new rules for Romania’s grid capacity allocations. This year, guarantees will be set at €20,000/MW. From next year, the guarantee formula will be linked to the previous auction prices.

Romania has seen rapid growth in its operational solar fleet in recent years. The country had a record year for solar deployment in 2025, adding 2.2 GW and taking total capacity past the 7 GW threshold.