Modernization of CHP power plants in Romania with high-efficiency gas engines

Elsaco Electronic has teamed up with Clarke Energy to modernize district heating networks in Arad and Constanța, Romania, with high-efficiency cogeneration engines, targeting a significant reduction in energy consumption.

Partagez:

Elsaco Electronic and Clarke Energy are deploying cogeneration projects to replace aging equipment in the district heating networks of two Romanian cities, Arad and Constanța.
Using Jenbacher J920 FleXtra engines, the new facilities will deliver a combined 85 MW electrical and 80 MW thermal power, with an anticipated 30% reduction in primary fuel consumption.
These projects, financed by the European Union, are part of Romania’s national strategy to modernize its energy infrastructure.
The use of these engines marks a first in the country, and prepares facilities for the future use of hydrogen and biomethane mixtures.
This approach aims to improve network efficiency while reducing operating costs and emissions.

Economic and industrial implications

Modernizing the energy infrastructure in these cities should generate substantial savings in operating costs.
Current systems, based on steam turbines from the 1960s, are showing signs of obsolescence and inefficiency, making these renovations crucial to ensuring a stable, cost-effective energy supply.
By integrating cogeneration solutions, these projects are helping to strengthen the resilience of urban energy networks, while paving the way for the adoption of more advanced technologies in the near future.
The flexibility offered by the new engines means they can be adapted to future changes in the energy mix, notably with the integration of alternative fuels.

Outlook for Romania’s energy sector

These projects illustrate the growing trend in Romania to modernize and diversify its energy sources, particularly in the decentralized generation sector.
By modernizing cogeneration plants, the country is positioning itself to meet future energy challenges, while reducing its dependence on obsolete technologies.
The implementation of these initiatives could serve as a model for other similar projects in the region, encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in energy production.
This move towards more flexible and efficient infrastructures is essential to meet market demands and energy performance expectations.

The increase in oil drilling, deepwater exploration, and chemical advances are expected to raise the global drilling fluids market to $10.7bn by 2032, according to Meticulous Research.
Enbridge Gas Ohio is assessing its legal options following the Ohio regulator's decision to cut its revenues, citing potential threats to investment and future customer costs.
The small-scale liquefied natural gas market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 7.5%, reaching an estimated total value of $31.78bn by 2030, driven particularly by maritime and heavy-duty road transport sectors.
The European Union extends gas storage regulations by two years, requiring member states to maintain a minimum fill rate of 90% to ensure energy security and economic stability amid market uncertainties.
Energy Transfer strengthens its partnership with Chevron by increasing their liquefied natural gas supply agreement by 50% from the upcoming Lake Charles LNG export terminal, strategically aiming for long-term supply security.
Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.
Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Petronas formalizes a memorandum with JOGMEC to secure Japanese LNG deliveries, including a first cargo from LNG Canada scheduled for July at Toho Gas.
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.
After four years of interruption due to regional insecurity, TotalEnergies announces the upcoming resumption of its liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, representing a $20bn investment.
The French group has acquired from PETRONAS stakes in several licences covering more than 100,000 km² off Malaysia and Indonesia, consolidating its Asian presence and its exposure to the liquefied natural gas market.