ANRE is preparing some of the toughest regulations introduced in recent years for energy project developers. The new measures aim to eliminate “smart guys” who block grid capacity without any real intention of building projects, by introducing significant financial guarantees for grid connection and licensing.
Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority(ANRE)has approved major changes regarding the grid connection and licensing of energy projects, in a clear attempt to limit speculative projects that artificially occupy grid capacity.
The most significant change is the introduction of a financial guarantee of €30/kW installed — equivalent to €30,000/MW — required to obtain authorization for new energy projects. At the same time, the grid connection guarantee will increase from 5% to 20% of the connection fee value.
The measures are inspired by the initiative previously promoted by Ilie Bolojanwho had tried to introduce these rules through an Emergency Ordinance before the fall of the Government. Although the ordinance never entered into force due to legislative reasons, ANRE continued implementation through its own regulations.
The main objective is to unlock real access to the grid for investors who genuinely intend to develop energy generation and storage projects. In recent years, numerous “paper” projects have reserved grid capacity without being actually developed, affecting real investments and increasing connection costs.
According to the new rules, developers who complete their investments will recover their guarantees, while abandoned or speculative projects risk losing the amounts deposited.
