Iernut Power Plant Delayed to June 2027: Romgaz Update — NRG-IA

Romgaz Shifts Commercial Acceptance of 430 MW Iernut Plant to Mid-2027 Romgaz has postponed the commercial operation of its new 430 MW natural gas-fired power plant in Iernut until the end of June 2027, according to information published by Economica.net following an official site visit by the Minister of Energy in Mureș County. The combined-cycle power plant investment project, considered a strategic asset for national energy security, is undergoing a fresh schedule review for its completion and commissioning phases. Remaining technical implementation stages at the site managed by Romgaz SA were reviewed directly during the inspection on October 31, 2026. Data confirmed by e-nergia.ro via the Ministry of Energy's official press release indicates that the updated schedule requires shifting commercial deliveries into the National Power System until the summer of 2027. The Iernut plant represents the most significant new state-backed gas power investment built in Romania in recent decades. The delay impacts the expected schedule for replacing retired coal-fired generation capacities across the national grid. Complicated Contractual History and Technical Integration Challenges The revised timeline reflects cumulative delays from earlier construction contracts and the complexity of integrating new gas and steam turbines. The project initiated by Romgaz faced repeated halts due to the termination of the initial EPC contract and a prolonged re-tendering process for remaining works. Modern control systems, connection infrastructure to the national gas transmission grid, and complex electrical tests require further validation. Romgaz management and energy authorities are currently assessing physical progress to ensure compliance with technical standards before initiating extended trial runs. Integrating the new generating units into the grid operated by Transelectrica requires strict alignment of operational parameters, factors that contributed to extending the commercial commissioning deadline to the second quarter of 2027. Capacity Deficit Extends Grid Reliance on Power Imports The missing 430 MW capacity over the coming months prolongs a substantial deficit of flexible power generation during peak demand hours. Natural gas supplies vital baseload and balancing energy required to stabilize the grid during evening peak hours when renewable output declines steeply. The delayed launch of the Iernut facility maintains pressure on day-ahead and balancing power markets. Romania's energy system remains vulnerable during periods of extreme winter weather, relying on cross-border electricity imports at elevated spot prices to cover peak loads. Power suppliers continue to price these availability risks into long-term procurement, indirectly impacting broad market wholesale acquisition costs. Technology Testing Schedule and Critical Milestones Ahead of Summer 2027 The coming months will be decisive for finishing mechanical assembly and securing cold testing procedures for internal systems. Romgaz is scheduled to execute live load testing in early 2027, a mandatory milestone prior to obtaining final operating licenses from the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). The Ministry of Energy will conduct monthly progress monitoring at the Iernut site to prevent further financial or schedule slippages. Reaching full commercial operation by June 30, 2027, remains the binding deadline assumed by Romgaz before shareholders and market regulators.