DRI has announced the commissioning and commercial operation of its 126MWp Vacaresti solar park in Romania, following the granting of its commercial operating licence by the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). The milestone marks the start of full commercial activity at the facility and strengthens the company’s position in the Romanian renewable energy market.

With the addition of Vacaresti, DRI’s total installed and operational capacity in Romania has increased to 299MW. The company said this reinforces its role as a leading independent power producer (IPP) in the country and reflects its capacity to deliver large-scale renewable energy projects efficiently.

The Vacaresti solar park, developed in Dâmbovia County, is expected to generate enough electricity to supply approximately 50,000 households annually, while avoiding around 48,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, according to the company. The project is positioned as a contribution to Romania’s broader decarbonisation targets.

DRI CEO Murat Cinar highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating that reaching 299MW of operational capacity in Romania “in such a short timeframe” demonstrates the company’s execution speed, engineering capabilities and disciplined investment approach.

He added that DRI’s Romanian portfolio — consisting of three solar parks and one onshore wind farm — is already contributing to the country’s energy transition by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and helping stabilise energy costs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting European energy markets.

The company’s operational assets in Romania include the Glodeni I solar park (53MWp / 49.05MW AC), Glodeni II (60MWp / 49.9MW AC), the 60MW AC Ruginoasa onshore wind farm — described as the first wind project built in Romania in a decade — and now the 126MWp V?c?re?ti solar park.

DRI also underlined its ability to secure project financing, noting that Vacaresti was supported by a non-recourse financing package of up to €60 million from UniCredit and Garanti BBVA, reinforcing the bankability of its portfolio and partnerships with international lenders.

In addition, the project has secured long-term revenue visibility. From January 2027, 50% of the electricity generated atthe plant will be sold to OMV Petrom under what is described as the largest physical solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed in Romania to date, providing stable cash flows for the project.

DRI said it continues to expand its renewable footprint across Europe, with projects in various stages of development, construction and operation. In Romania, the company is also advancing battery energy storage (BESS) projects aimed at improving grid flexibility and supporting the stability and resilience of the national energy system.