Romania’s latest wind farm to power 270,000 homes with renewable energy

As part of the European Union’s ambitious decarbonization goals, the 72-turbine VIFOR wind farm will generate sufficient renewable energy to meet the requirements of 270,000 households and eliminate a whopping 540,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Located in Buzau county near Romania’s famed Carpathian Mountains, the VIFOR site benefits from exceptional wind yields.

Tractebel’s Energy and Infrastructures experts to work in tandem 

As Owner’s Engineer, our Energy and Infrastructures experts in Romania will collaborate closely to oversee all technical aspects of Phase I of this landmark project. This first of two phases consists of 30 6.4-MW turbines for an output of 192 MW. Tractebel will ensure the project meets quality, timeline, and budgetary targets, while upholding industry best practices and safety standards.

The 72-turbine VIFOR wind farm will meet the energy requirements of 270,000 households and eliminate a whopping 540,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

VIFOR Phase I project highlights

• Installation of 30 wind turbines (6.4 MW each) with 162 m rotor diameter and 166 m hub height
• Comprehensive civil works: foundations, access roads, storage areas, and crane platforms
• Development of the 33 kV internal electrical grid
• A new 400/33 kV step-up substation and interconnection substation
• Construction of a 1.3 km, 400 kV overhead transmission line

Construction of Phase I is scheduled for completion within 18 months, with commissioning expected by the end of 2025. VIFOR Phase II will follow, consisting of 42 turbines delivering an additional 269 MW to the grid. The entire project is slated for completion around 2027.

Phase 1 is supported by financing from eight leading lenders, including Erste Group, UniCredit, EBRD, IFC, Intesa Sanpaolo, OTP Bank, Raiffeisen Bank International AG, and Garanti BBVA Romania. The project is under development by Actis-backed client Rezolv Energy and Low Carbon through their subsidiary First Look Solutions.

“We are excited about the positive impact this project will have on our communities and on decarbonization goals,” says Bogdan Andone, Project Manager at Tractebel in Romania. “The VIFOR wind farm will profoundly affect Romania’s renewable energy landscape, while bringing the country – and Europe – closer to 2030 emissions reduction targets. The seamless collaboration between our Energy and Infrastructures experts is what makes contributing to projects like these possible, as it enables us to offer complete sustainability solutions from start to finish.”

Bogdan Andone, Project Manager, Tractebel in Romania

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