Romelectro, the largest contractor of complex energy projects in Romania, will soon sign more than 20 million euros worth contracts with Transelectrica for the power stations in Focsani Sud, Bacau Sud and Roman Nord, as well as with Hidroelectrica, for the modernization of the Slatina hydro power plant, Cristian Secoşan, general manager of the Romelectro Group, announced in a press conference.

“We are glad to see some of the utilities companies re-launching investment projects which are very necessary for the operation of the National Electricity System in a safe and flexible manner, and with low environmental impact. I think first and foremost to the projects launched by Transelectrica, but also to those that are ready to start in the segment of hydro and thermal generation. We have some contracts signed with Transelectrica for Focsani Sud, Bacau Sud and Roman Nord, and with Hidroelectrica for the modernization of the Slatina hydro power plant”, Secoşan said.

For this year, the company estimates a turnover of over 80 million euros, almost 60% higher than last year.

“2017 was a growth year for Romelectro. We continued the internal reorganization of the company and of Romelectro Group, including a greater degree of internalization of the works; we manage several large-scale contracts in the country and abroad. On the foreign market we are present in Kosovo and Egypt, where you already know that we have established a branch, and in Saudi Arabia where we set up a firm, Romelectro Arabia LLC, to which we are a majority shareholder”, he added.

As for the next year’s plans, the company wants to increase integration and internalization of the Romelectro Group, while on the international market it intends to establish partnerships with major players in the market.

“In 2017, we continued our policy of expansion of domestic markets and of partnerships with Romanian companies in these markets. The international market is more generous from investments perspective, there are many regions around the globe with tens of billions of dollars’ worth investment programs. Romanian companies can enter these markets, subject to the harmonization of interests and the acceptance of coordinated actions”, adds Secosan.

Romelectro officials say that in the international market Romanian entrepreneurs should be supported much more by the governmental environment.

“International business is a highly competitive environment where, in many countries and regions, support from a state institution is essential in awarding the contract. It does not matter whether the entity benefiting from this support is a state-own or a private company. Here too we have to mention the financial support that a Romanian exporter should benefit from”, said Secoşan, as quoted by News.ro.

With regard to the Iernut thermal power plant of Romgaz, a new combined cycle gas plant of 430 MW, the largest greenfield electricity project promoted and started by a state-owned firm after 1989, it will be ready by December 31, 2019.

”At Iernut, we need 600-700 workers, of which a large number of highly skilled people, for example welders. To meet this need, we will work with partners”, added Secoșan.

Next year, in the first quarter, Romelectro will complete the Burullus Thermal Power Plant in Egypt, where it builds a 1,200 MW block in partnership with SAEM Energomontaj. The block has been running in a simple cycle since September, and generated 800 MW.

Also next year, the company will conclude a hydroelectric project on the Jiu River, in the Livezeni – Bumbeşti sector, which also includes two power plants, CHE Dumitra, CHE Bumbeşti and a small hydropower plant at Livezeni.

Another project to be completed is the Bradu (400/220/110/20 kV) power station, an important node in the power system.

Also, in Saudi Arabia, the company is qualified at SEC Saudi Electricity Company and is receiving accreditation from other large companies in the kingdom (SABIC, Saudi Aramco), which is a condition of entering into competition.

“We are also watching more works in Egypt, but also in countries in the former Yugoslavia, a generous market in energy projects, but at the same time difficult to occupy because of the competition of local firms”, Secoşan stated.