The transformation of the former Mintia coal-fired power station into what is set to become the largest gas-fired power plant in the European Union has entered its final stages, with project construction progress exceeding 83% and key commissioning activities scheduled to begin in the coming months.
The project represents one of the most significant private energy investments in Eastern Europe and is expected to play a central role in Romania’s energy security, industrial competitiveness and transition away from coal.
Located in Hunedoara County, western Romania, the new Mintia combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant is being developed by Mass Group Holding through its Romanian subsidiary. The facility is replacing the former coal-fired plant that ceased operations several years ago and will deliver approximately 1,700-1,770 MW of installed generation capacity once fully operational.
Romania’s Energy Sector Transformation
Romania is undergoing one of the most significant energy sector transformations in Central and Eastern Europe. While the country continues to expand renewable energy capacity, it is simultaneously retiring aging coal-fired generation assets and preparing for increased domestic natural gas production from offshore Black Sea developments.
Against this backdrop, the Mintia power plant project is emerging as a cornerstone investment. Romanian officials have also described the development as strategically important for reducing electricity imports and improving grid stability. It is also aimed at supporting the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Additionally, the plant’s flexible generation capability is expected to provide critical balancing services to the national electricity system while ensuring reliable baseload and peak-load supply.
Mintia gas-fired power plant has also been designated as a project of national importance by the Romanian government. This is key to enabling accelerated permitting and infrastructure coordination.
Mintia Power Plant Project Construction Progress Reaches Critical Phase
Following a recent site visit, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan confirmed that construction progress has surpassed 83%, marking a major milestone for the €1.2-1.5 billion investment. The project is now transitioning from heavy construction activities toward testing, commissioning and systems integration.
Upcoming activities include:
- Interconnection testing between the power plant and electrical substation.
- Completion of national grid connection works.
- Gas supply infrastructure commissioning.
- Turbine testing and synchronization procedures.
- Final performance and reliability testing before commercial operation.
Government officials have also indicated that grid connection works are scheduled to be completed in stages through October. Furthermore, natural gas supply infrastructure must be operational by August to support commissioning activities.
Technology and Engineering
The Mintia project is being developed as a state-of-the-art combined-cycle gas turbine power plant utilizing some of the most advanced gas generation technology currently available.
The project includes:
- Two high-efficiency gas turbines.
- Two heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs).
- One steam turbine.
- Multiple power generators.
- Advanced control and grid synchronization systems.
Mintia gas-fired power plant will use Siemens SGT5-9000HL gas turbines, among the most efficient heavy-duty gas turbines currently deployed in the world. These units are expected to deliver significantly higher thermal efficiency. The units will also offer lower carbon emissions compared with the coal-fired facilities they replace.
Additionally, cooling water for the installation will be sourced from the nearby Mures River. The combined-cycle configuration will also allow the plant to achieve substantially greater efficiency than traditional thermal generation technologies.
Investment and Financing
Mintia gas-fired power plant redevelopment represents one of the largest private energy investments ever undertaken in Romania.
The project’s cost is estimated at a value between €1.2 billion and €1.5 billion. The development is being financed by Mass Group Holding. The company also acquired the former Mintia power station site in 2022. Mass Group subsequently announced plans to transform the aging coal asset into a modern gas-fired generation hub.
In early 2026, Mass Group also secured approximately US$500 million in financing support. This strengthened the project’s financial position as it approaches completion.
Role in Romania’s Energy Future
Once operational, Mintia is expected to become one of the largest single-site gas-fired power plants in Europe and the largest within the European Union. The facility’s scale will also significantly enhance Romania’s domestic generation capacity at a time when electricity demand is increasing and coal generation continues to decline.
Additionally, the plant is strategically aligned with upcoming gas production from the Black Sea’s Neptun Deep offshore development. This is also expected to increase Romania’s domestic natural gas availability and strengthen long-term energy independence.
Mintia power plant project is also poised as a critical bridge asset within Romania’s energy transition, supporting system reliability while renewable energy deployment accelerates across the country.
Mintia Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant Project Fact Sheet
Location: Hunedoara County, western Romania
Type: Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT)
Capacity: 1,700-1,770 MW
Investment Value: €1.2-1.5 billion
Status: Under construction
Construction Progress: More than 83% complete
Expected Initial Power Production: 2026
Full Commercial Operation: Expected by end of 2026
Key Technology: Siemens SGT5-9000HL gas turbines
Strategic Significance: Largest gas-fired power plant in the European Union on a single site. Will also replacing former coal-fired generation and strengthening Romania’s energy security.
Project Team
Developer
- Mass Global Energy Rom
- Parent Company: Mass Group Holding
Major Equipment Suppliers
- Siemens Energy – SGT5-9000HL gas turbines.
- John Cockerill Energy – HRSG technology and related systems.
Grid and Infrastructure Stakeholders
Mintia Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant Project Development Outlook
Mintia CCGT power plant is approaching the most critical phase of its development. With civil construction largely complete and commissioning activities beginning, the project is positioned to become one of Europe’s most important new thermal generation assets.
Successful completion will add approximately 1.7 GW of dispatchable generation capacity to Romania’s power system. Additionally, this will help offset coal retirements, support renewable integration and improve national energy security.
The coming months will be dominated by gas infrastructure readiness, grid interconnection tests and turbine commissioning. If current schedules are maintained, Mintia power plant project will emerge as a flagship example of large-scale energy infrastructure investment in Southeastern Europe and a major contributor to Romania’s evolving energy landscape.
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