A new green energy hub: 380 million euro contract signed with the European Investment Bank

The Turceni City Hall has signed a financing contract with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the creation of a renewable energy hub - a project worth a total of 380 million euros, according to an announcement made by Mayor Constantin Popescu. The initiative is the first of its kind in Gorj County and marks a change of direction for an area historically recognized as one of Romania's coal-based energy centers.

The project envisages the use of over 320 hectares of land, of which 123 hectares are public land and over 200 hectares are private, for the development of:

agrivoltaic photovoltaic parks, energy storage stations, green hydrogen production and storage units, as well as the exploitation of geothermal resources for district heating and agriculture.

"In the heart of Gorj County, where one of the largest quantities of coal-fired electricity in Romania was produced, Turceni today opens a new stage in the transition to green energy and sustainability,” said Mayor Constantin Popescu.

• Strategic partnerships and European support

The Bankwatch Romania Association and the South Gorj GAL Association are involved in the development and implementation of the project, partners who contributed to aligning the plan with European environmental policies and accessing the necessary technical assistance. The project is designed as part of the region's just transition, offering a sustainable economic alternative for communities affected by the restructuring of the coal industry. According to the local administration, the actual implementation of the project will begin in early 2026. The objective is for Turceni to become a national example of a successful energy transition, with a direct impact on regional development and green jobs.