Although Romania is engaged in several key projects for electricity transmission under the PCI-PMI framework, its participation remains relatively modest compared to leading European nations. With only six projects, Romania ranks behind France (21), Germany (16) and Italy (11) and is on par with Belgium.
Furthermore, most of its projects are still in early stages, with feasibility studies and initial agreements rather than active implementation. In contrast, countries like France, Germany and Austria – much more than Poland, Greece or Hungary, for example – are pushing forward with a significantly larger number of projects, indicating a more aggressive approach to energy transition and integration. If Romania wants to play a bigger role in Europe’s energy landscape, it will need to accelerate its project timetable, secure financing and strengthen regional collaboration to increase the pace of implementation.
Strengthening the Hungary-Romania connection
The Hungary-Romania electricity interconnection is a key project aimed at enhancing cross-border electricity trade, improving market efficiency, and strengthening energy security. Led by MAVIR in Hungary and Transelectrica in Romania, the initiative remains in its early stages, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) still pending. This agreement will enable the development of the 400 kV Overhead Line (OHL) between Debrecen and Oradea, a crucial step in reinforcing North-South Interconnections in Central and South Eastern Europe (NSI East). Expected to be operational by 2030, the project will significantly boost regional energy integration and resilience.
On the Romanian side, preparations are advancing for the second circuit of the 400 kV OHL between Nădab and Békéscsaba, with the Terms of Reference for design procurement already completed. Internal investments are also progressing, with the design services contract set to be signed by February 28, 2025.
The immediate priority remains the MoU between MAVIR and Transelectrica, which will allow for the preparation of the Route Study and establishment of the cross-border connection point.
The North CSE Corridor: A link between Romania and Serbia
The North CSE Corridor is a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing energy interconnectivity between Romania and Serbia, strengthening regional cooperation, and facilitating a more efficient electricity exchange. Jointly developed by EMS in Serbia and Transelectrica in Romania, the project is advancing at different paces in each country. While Romanian authorities are in the process of resuming the tender for design services, Serbia is making steady progress in developing its infrastructure.
On the Serbian side, a key milestone is the expected acquisition of licenses for the sections around Belgrade by the end of 2024, a critical step in ensuring the smooth implementation of the project. Additionally, full alignment between the Serbian and Romanian sides regarding the interconnection is anticipated in the near future, ensuring a coordinated approach to its development.
With completion scheduled for 2029, the North CSE Corridor is set to play a major role in reducing network congestion and improving cross-border energy flows, contributing to a more resilient and integrated regional electricity market.
Georgia-Romania Black Sea submarine interconnection
The Georgia-Romania Black Sea Submarine Interconnection is an ambitious and strategically significant initiative led by JSC Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE). Designed to establish a direct energy link between Georgia and Romania via a submarine cable, this project will enable energy trade between the Caucasus and the European Union, contributing to Europe’s efforts to diversify its energy sources. Currently, the feasibility study is underway, with commissioning expected by 2031. Once operational, the interconnection will play a key role in strengthening regional energy security and facilitating the integration of renewable energy into European markets.
The project’s development follows a structured, phased approach. The first phase focuses on enhancing implementation readiness through a series of critical studies, including an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, as well as geophysical, geotechnical, and benthic studies of the Black Sea seabed. These studies will determine the optimal route and technical feasibility of the submarine cable. In parallel, efforts are being made to prepare the transmission networks in the South Caucasus for increased energy trade with Southeast Europe. This includes strengthening Georgia’s electricity grid to ensure seamless interconnection and power transmission through the Black Sea Submarine Cable (BSSC).
By advancing in these key areas, the project is laying the groundwork for a more integrated and resilient regional electricity market, reinforcing the strategic energy partnership between the Caucasus and the European Union.
Enhancing Moldova’s energy independence
Romania is playing a crucial role in bolstering Moldova’s energy infrastructure through the development of the 400 kV Overhead Line (OHL) Suceava–Bălți project. Spearheaded by Transelectrica, this initiative is designed to strengthen the interconnection between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, significantly improving Moldova’s access to the EU electricity market. By integrating Moldova more closely with European energy networks, the project will help reduce the country’s reliance on non-EU energy sources and enhance its overall energy security.
Progress is registered on multiple fronts. In Romania, the procurement procedure for the execution of the 400 kV OHL Suceava–Gădălin concluded with the offer from a Romanian consortium formed by Electromontaj (consortium leader) and Emfor and ELM Electromontaj Cluj. For the 400 kV OHL Suceava–Bălți interconnection, the procurement process has also been initiated. Meanwhile, on the Moldovan side, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is in progress, a key step in ensuring the project aligns with environmental and regulatory standards.
High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line
Another forward-looking project is the High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Interconnector between Hungary and Romania. Jointly developed by Transelectrica and MAVIR, this project seeks to establish a high-capacity electricity transmission corridor between the two nations. By integrating renewable energy sources and improving grid stability, it aligns with the broader EU objectives of sustainability and security of supply. A technical-economic study is currently being conducted by the Italian consulting company CESI to determine its feasibility. The outcome of this analysis will serve as the foundation for informed decision-making about the project’s viability and whether the group of companies should proceed with a detailed feasibility study. The project is expected to be operational by 2030.
Interconnection Ukraine-Romania
The Ukraine-Romania Interconnection, a project led by Transelectrica and NPC Ukrenergo, is designed to establish a stronger cross-border energy link between Romania and Ukraine, reinforcing regional energy stability and facilitating electricity exchange between the two countries. On the Ukrainian side, significant progress is being made, with adjustments being made to the feasibility study for the construction of the 750/440/330 kV Prymorska substation, which is expected to be completed by July 31, 2025. Additionally, the construction of the 330 (400) kV Novoodeska–Artsyz line is already in its active phase, with an expected completion date of July 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the construction of the 400 kV Artsyz-Isaccea overhead line is in the approval process, aiming for completion by December 31, 2028. On the Romanian side, progress is at an earlier stage, with procurement for design services expected to begin soon, with an anticipated conclusion by December 31, 2025.
On 2025, January 31st, the European Commission launched the public consultation on the list of candidate Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest in all energy infrastructure categories. Project promoters submitted their project proposals for electricity (including offshore) transmission and storage infrastructure, hydrogen and electrolysers, smart electricity grids, smart gas grids and carbon dioxide (CO2) networks.
The aim of the consultation, open until Friday 25 April 2025, is to invite stakeholders and members of the public to share their views on the candidate projects, which will subsequently be presented to the regional groups for assessment. This assessment by the regional groups and thematic areas will be carried out in the first half year of 2025 with a perspective to adopt the 7th Union list of PCIs and PMIs by the end of 2025.