Feasibility study completed for Romania’s High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) underground cable project

Transelectrica, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), Meridiam,  and E-INFRA announce the successful completion of the feasibility study for a major energy infrastructure project: the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnector that will run across Romania from the Black Sea to Hungary.

The study, initiated in May 2024 and conducted by the Italian company CESI – a global leader in technical consulting and engineering services for the electricity sector  – confirms that the project is both technically feasible and economically viable. The study also highlights the necessity of the project for the integration of renewable energy sources and the strengthening of regional and European energy security. The project has the full support of the Romanian Ministry of Energy.

The HVDC system is one of the most advanced energy transmission technologies, allowing the transfer of large quantities of electricity over long distances. Its route starts from the Black Sea coast, passes through Bucharest, and crosses the western border of the country, connecting with Hungary and other European networks and summing up more than 1100 km. It operates like an underground highway for energy, enabling Romania to become a critical energy hub for Central Europe.

The project makes use of the already available gas pipeline corridors of BRUA and Tuzla-Podișor, avoiding the need for entirely new infrastructure. It is a pioneering technical solution that leverages existing infrastructure corridors, significantly reducing the time required for approvals, costs, and environmental impact.

The project can also connect to other large energy corridors already existing or under construction in Europe, such as SuedLink in Germany, or NordLink, which connects Norway to Germany. Thus, Romania could become part of an expanded European network for the transport of clean energy, from the Black Sea to the North Sea. Regional HVDC connections allow better control over energy supply and demand, contributing to price stabilization and predictable energy costs, which directly impacts the reduction of prices for end consumers.

„The completion of the feasibility study for the HVDC project is an important achievement and marks a key milestone in transforming Romania into a regional energy hub and a strategic player in Europe’s energy security. It is one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects of the next decade for our country. That is why I have stated clearly: we have no time to waste. We will accelerate all necessary steps to ensure that Romania becomes a net exporter of clean energy and a pillar of stability in the region.

Moreover, the project is vital for the modernization and balancing of Romania’s electricity transmission network and will ensure the evacuation of significant amounts of electricity that will be generated following the completion of Romania’s strategic investments in Units 3 and 4 of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, as well as in the offshore and onshore wind projects in the Dobrogea region. On the international level, the project contributes to strengthening the integration of the regional and European energy market and enhancing the security of supply in the southeastern part of Europe, supporting the increase of electricity export capabilities to neighboring countries. The project is an integral part of the Green Corridor, which will connect Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, along with other countries in the region.

Through this project, we are taking another important step toward achieving the goal we work for every day at the Ministry of Energy: to have secure energy, at affordable prices for Romanian citizens and the economy, and green energy – in that order of priorities”, said Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja.

“We are pleased with the conclusions of the study, and equally proud that the technical solution proposed by E-INFRA for the placement of the HVDC cable on the existing gas pipeline corridors has been confirmed as feasible. It is an honor to be part of this partnership alongside large, reputable companies. I am very grateful to the Ministry of Energy for their support of this project and, in particular, to Minister Sebastian Burduja”, said Teofil Mureșan, CEO of E-INFRA.