Ameresco SUNEL Energy, a joint venture between Ameresco and SUNEL Group, has secured engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts worth €303.4m ($345.7m) for three solar parks in southwestern Romania.

These 466MWp solar projects, named Rovinari, Tismana 1, and Tismana 2, are being developed by a 50:50 partnership of OMV Petrom and CE Oltenia.

They are part of Romania’s efforts to enhance energy security and meet climate commitments by transitioning from coal-fired power generation. The country plans to phase out coal by 2032.

OMV Petrom executive board member for gas and power Frank Neel said: “The signing of these contracts is a firm step in strengthening our position in the renewable power sector. We have been active in power generation since 2012, from the Brazi gas-fired power plant, which can cover around 10% of Romania’s electricity production.

“Through our Strategy 2030, we aim to be a key player in Romania’s energy transition, with the ambitious target of developing 2.5GW of capacity, including partnerships, from renewable sources – wind and solar. We have secured a solid project portfolio, currently in various stages of execution, which will contribute to building the energy system of the future.”

Ameresco SUNEL will handle the design, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the solar projects.

The projects will be developed on CE Oltenia-owned land in the Gorj and Dolj counties. Construction is expected to be completed within 18 months.

The solar parks will feature more than 757,000 fixed-tilt solar modules, optimised for energy capture and efficiency.

Once operational, they are expected to offset approximately 734,789 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting the net-zero goals of Romania and Europe.

Ameresco SUNEL Energy vice president Konstantinos Zygouras said: “Romania’s vast solar potential, combined with strategic investments in renewable energy, will position the country as a leader in Europe’s clean energy transition.

“We are proud to partner with OMV Petrom CEO to drive this ambitious project forward, fostering economic growth while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

A fourth project with a capacity of 90MW is also being developed by OMV Petrom and CE Oltenia. The EPC contract for the project was awarded to the Turkish company Girisim Elektrik.

OMV Petrom and CE Oltenia are investing €400m in the four projects, of which 70% is financed through the European Union’s Modernisation Fund.

Ameresco SUNEL Energy is also involved in Lightsource bp’s 560MWp ENIPEAS solar project in Greece, backed by the EU’s NextGenerationEU fund.

Located in Larissa and Fthiotida, Greece, the ENIPEAS project commenced construction in July last year and is scheduled for completion by summer 2026.