EC reviews Romania’s request to delay coal plant closures at CE Oltenia

The European Commission announced that it initiated the evaluation procedures for Romania’s request, filed in December, for deviations from the decommissioning calendar of the coal-fired power units operated by CE Oltenia. Romania has notified the Commission that it seeks to modify the restructuring plan at CE Oltenia, previously cleared by the EC, citing delays in the development of alternative solar and gas power units and regional risks posed by closing down the coal-fired units at a time when the country is Moldova’s main electricity supplier also providing energy to Ukraine.

In January 2022, the Commission conditionally approved restructuring aid worth EUR 2.66 billion (RON 13.15 billion) granted by Romania to CE Oltenia, supporting the restructuring plan of this company for the period 2021-2026.