- Engie SA has inaugurated a 57-MW hybrid wind and solar facility in Braila County, Romania.
- The hybrid plant, featuring 17,100 bifacial solar panels on metal trackers, is expected to generate 140 GWh of electricity annually, sufficient for over 46,800 households.
- This project raises Engie Romania’s total wind and solar capacity to 211 MW and is the country’s first hybrid renewable power plant.
French utility company Engie SA has launched a 57-MW hybrid renewable energy facility in Romania’s Braila County. The project combines wind and solar power and is one of Romania’s first hybrid plants.
Engie Romania, the group’s local subsidiary, added a 9.3-MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) plant to its 47.5-MW wind farm in the Gemenele commune. The solar plant, built on a 14-hectare site, features 17,100 bifacial solar panels mounted on metal trackers.
The hybrid facility is connected to a single grid point, allowing the wind and solar plants to operate together. The combined facility will generate approximately 140 GWh of electricity annually to power more than 46,800 households.
The project brings Engie Romania’s total wind and solar capacity to 211 MW. It is also Engie’s first hybrid renewable power plant in the country.
Solar addition aims to maximise energy output while balancing generation from wind. The bifacial panels can absorb light from both sides and increase energy efficiency. The metal trackers help the panels follow the sun’s position for optimal energy capture throughout the day.
The facility is expected to provide more consistent power generation by integrating wind and solar energy. This mix helps balance the intermittency of wind and solar energy, creating a more stable supply for the grid.
The Gemenele project highlights Romania’s growing commitment to renewable energy. Romania has been increasing its investments in clean energy as it transitions away from fossil fuels. This project supports the country’s energy diversification efforts and aligns with the European Union’s push for greener energy solutions.
Engie’s project is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio. The group has been ramping up investments in European clean energy projects, focusing on solar, wind, and hybrid solutions. This latest development reinforces Engie’s commitment to achieving its global sustainability goals.
The company has several other renewable energy projects in Romania, and the new hybrid facility strengthens its presence in the country’s clean energy sector. Engie Romania’s CEO hailed the project as a milestone in the company’s efforts to support Romania’s energy transition.
The Gemenele hybrid plant is expected to reduce Romania’s carbon emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in its national grid. The project also underscores the growing importance of hybrid energy solutions in meeting global energy demands sustainably.
With the new facility, Engie SA is well-positioned to contribute to Romania’s renewable energy goals and the broader European green agenda. As the country continues to adopt renewable energy, projects like the Gemenele hybrid plant are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring energy security and sustainability.
Engie’s investment in hybrid energy projects sets a benchmark for other energy companies looking to develop efficient, sustainable energy systems. The success of this project may encourage further developments in hybrid energy across Romania and beyond.