Romania will likely select in February a partner for the construction of
its planned 1,000-megawatt hydropower plant in Tarnita-Lapustesti,
Minister-delegate for Energy Constantin Nita said Monday, news agency
Mediafax reports.
Speaking at a news conference, Mr. Nita said the feasibility study for the project should be completed in two to three weeks.
"In February, the project will be auctioned off," Mr. Nita
told reporters. He said the local authorities have been asked to
expropriate several plots of land in the region.
The Tarnita-Lapustesti project is expected to cost around
EUR1.3 billion ($1.78 billion) and its construction will take around
seven years. When completed, the plant will be the largest hydroelectric
load balancing system in Romania, with a total capacity of 1,000 MW.
In late 2013, Romania signed a memorandum of understanding
with a Chinese company for the construction of the hydropower plant.
"As per the European principle of transparency, we will
organize a public auction for the project. This could prompt other
investors to come forward as well," Mr. Nita said.