The only challenges regarding the Iernut power plant project are due to Duro Felguera, which is in a delicate situation globally, but the company has recently extended its letters of guarantee, which means that there is a chance to see the project through to the end, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said on Tuesday.

„We are at 98% – when we took over the project and resigned the contract with Duro Felguera we started from 80% – and, basically, the biggest challenges are related to Duro Felguera. In fact, the only challenges. They are in a very delicate financial situation globally and, although they are paid to date by Romgaz (…), they are not paying their subcontractors and we are entering, or rather we risk entering, the vicious circle of the past: subcontractors are not paid, they leave the site, the project is blocked. Recently, Duro Felguera has extended its letters of guarantee, which means that there is a chance to complete the project, which would be the easiest thing to do,” explained the Energy Minister.

He emphasized that, otherwise, Romgaz will have to take over the overall project coordination and that means tendering for whatever works it has to execute, which will be done with subcontractors, which will lead to further delays and further extensions.

„We are trying to avoid this scenario or, if we get into this scenario, to think about a legislative amendment in which, for very advanced projects such as this one – we still have 2% to execute – to allow them a much more flexible and rapid implementation framework. What is certain is that every day in which Iernut is not finished means money lost for Romgaz and Romania and certainly a lack of energy for the energy system,” Burduja said.

The minister mentioned that, according to Duro Felguera’s timetable, the deadline of December 31, 2025 for the completion of the power plant is respected.

„It’s true that we have experienced the deadlines assumed by Duro Felguera but, considering that there is still only 2% to be executed, I have been to the construction site several times, so I have seen for myself that progress has been made, I think it is a realistic deadline. I am aware that last year, too I was hoping to finish this power plant by the end of last year. I repeat, I have nothing to reproach the Romgaz team, really and objectively. Unfortunately, the contract problems stem from the first contract signed almost 10 years ago with the association that was in place at the time and which, again, I don’t think it did its job. But these things will be told and disclosed to the public, all after the project is completed, so as not to add new challenges to the finalization of the investment,” said the Energy minister.

Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja participated on Tuesday in the Eurelectric Power Summit 2025, taking place in Brussels.

AGERPRES