Romania grid capacity auctions in 2027–2028: how should project developers secure access?

For all relevant projects, obtaining grid connection capacity is no longer exclusively a matter of following the traditional solution study and ATR route. Romania has activated the competitive capacity-allocation mechanism governed by ANRE Order No. 53/2024, as amended, including by Order No. 15/2026. For a developer, the decision is not simply whether MW are available in a grid area, but whether the project can bear the participation security, the allocated-capacity price, connection costs and implementation deadlines.

Which projects must follow the allocation mechanism?

The methodology approved by ANRE Order No. 53/2024 must be read alongside the operational Transelectrica procedure. It applies to the project categories and thresholds defined in those instruments. Not every consumption site, change to an existing development or historical application automatically enters an auction. The first legal test is classification of the project, including a stand-alone BESS or hybrid configuration, and precise identification of requested capacity and declared commissioning year.

Crucially, capacity shown as available for a grid zone is not the same as capacity firmly reserved for an individual project. The global study, accepted application, auction outcome, allocation agreement and ATR represent different steps. A favourable capacity figure does not replace technical review of the connection point or compliance with subsequent procedures.

What must be filed, and by when?

Transelectrica has published the operating procedure, application and bid forms, the allocation-agreement template, RET/RED zones and a platform guide. During the first cycle, applications were submitted between 1 and 14 July 2026. For 2027 and subsequent years, developers must follow the current annual calendar under the methodology and the platform notices rather than reproducing dates from the first session.

Before filing, check the consistency of the applicant SPV, land rights, power, technology, declared commissioning year, anticipated technical solution and guarantee. A commercially persuasive application that is not procedurally validated may not reach the auction. Equally, a winning bid does not become secure simply by virtue of the result if the subsequent agreement is not signed and required payment security is not constituted.

How much capital can be tied up?

Article 8(4) of the methodology, as amended by Article IV of ANRE Order No. 15/2026, set the 2026 participation guarantee at EUR 20,000/MW. From 2027, the regulatory formula applies: the lower of that reference and the weighted average of contractual prices from the previous year's auctions, under the applicable provisions. The amount must be recalculated for each auction year.

This is only one layer of exposure. A winning developer must separately model the price payable for allocated capacity, the payment guarantee, the grid connection tariff, the connection security and any separate ANRE establishment-authorisation guarantee. A cash-flow forecast covering only the participation security materially understates liquidity demands. The instrument's call wording, expiry and renewal cost also require review.

What happens if the winner fails to sign?

Under Article 21(5) of the amended methodology, failure to return the signed allocation agreement together with evidence of the financial guarantee securing payment for allocated capacity within the prescribed deadline leads to a call on the participation guarantee and loss of the allocated capacity. This is a direct statutory consequence, not merely an opportunity cost.

Developers should obtain corporate signing approvals, representative mandates, bank or insurer availability and financing decisions before the auction. Where an SPV requires shareholder or lender consent, this belongs in the critical-path schedule. The wrong time to open first discussions about the necessary financial instrument is after learning that the bid has won.

Does a successful auction replace the ATR or solution study?

No. Competitive allocation provides access to available capacity under the allocation methodology; actual connection remains subject to the Connection Regulation under ANRE Order No. 59/2013, applicable technical studies, ATR and grid connection agreement. Allocated capacity does not excuse environmental permissions, valid land rights, construction permits or attributable reinforcement costs.

When comparing two areas, the right question is not only “where is capacity cheaper?” but “which location offers the lowest risk-adjusted total cost to COD?” Apparently inexpensive capacity in an area facing difficult network works may be less attractive than a higher auction price associated with an executable development schedule.

Which decision should precede a bid?

Set a grid-access investment gate: a concise report tying the desired capacity to the development plan, guarantee budget, preliminary technical position, land and permitting risks and declared commissioning date. Its decision should be one of three: bid, bid subject to clearly identified conditions or defer. No universal EUR/MW number makes every location commercially viable.

For projects already holding an ATR, avoid assuming the new auction system automatically cancels historical grid rights. The analysis must start with the application date and type, the legal status of the ATR and grid connection agreement, and the relevant transitional rules.

Hypothetical example: the investment decision

*Hypothetical example, not a reference to an actual project.*

An SPV seeks 60 MW in a transmission-grid area and prepares a capacity bid. If the EUR 20,000/MW 2026 reference were hypothetically applicable, the initial participation security would be EUR 1.2 million. This is not a statement of the applicable 2027 amount, which must be calculated under the statutory formula. The board should approve the investment only after examining bidding scenarios, total connection cost, commissioning date and committed sources of financing.

Developer Action Checklist: what should be checked in the next 30–90 days?

1. Determine whether the application and technology fall under the allocation mechanism, with the exact provision and threshold. 2. Check grid zones, published studies and the current annual schedule on Transelectrica’s platform. 3. Recalculate the participation security for the relevant year and arrange the instrument before the deadline. 4. Model allocation price, subsequent guarantees, the connection tariff and reinforcement works separately. 5. Have the signing authority, corporate approvals and financing ready before the bid result.

Conclusion and next steps

In 2027–2028, developer competitiveness will depend not only on land and engineering but on the discipline with which access to the grid is priced and executed. Treat the auction as an investment decision with its own financial exposure, not as an administrative formality.

Request a project-specific assessment. Grigorescu & Partners can review the key documents and prepare a focused risk, deadline and action report. Discuss a mandate or Email us the project details.

Primary sources and verification date

*Analysis updated on 12 October 2026.*

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Editorial note: For general information, not project-specific legal advice. Applicable rules depend on project history, documents, contracts and subsequent amendments.