Romania’s electricity production increased by 9% in the first eight months of 2014, compared to the same period of last year, to 41.5 million MWh (41.5 TWh), according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INS). The output surplus went to exports, which increased almost sixfold, data shows.

The electricity production estimated value for the period would be of some EUR 1.6 billion, given an average price of EUR 39 per MWh, based on statistics from the energy market operator OPCOM.

Hydroelectric power stations produced 17.4% more electricity, or some 12.76 million MWh. The main producer of hydro energy is state-owned Hidroelectrica. Nuclear energy output was stable at 7.64 million MWh. The only nuclear power plant in Romania is operated by state-owned Nuclearelectrica.

Renewable energy output increased significantly, due to new solar power plants. The solar energy production increased almost threefold, to 0.97 million MWh. Wind power output, on the other hand, was almost unchanged, at 2.9 million MWh.

The rest of the energy, some 17.2 million MWh came from thermal power plants, which increased their output by 5.5%. The largest producer of thermal energy is Complexul Energetic Oltenia. OMV Petrom and Romgaz operate gas power plants.

Romania’s final electricity consumption went down by 1.1% compared to the first eight months of 2013, to under 33 million MWh. In return, Romania exported 5.7 times more energy. Electricity exports reached 4.63 million MWh, which represents more than 10% of the total output.

Andrei Chirileasa, andrei@romania-insider.com