Winning the grid: What Romania’s capacity auctions mean for developers

2026 brings a competitive framework

As Romania’s renewable energy sector continues to grow, managing grid access has become increasingly important. The introduction of capacity auctions is a direct response to the grid’s rising congestion, ensuring that energy resources are distributed more efficiently. 

This shift marks a major change in how you plan, finance, and execute projects. The traditional approach of securing grid access without competition is being replaced by a system that rewards preparedness and project maturity. Developers who understand the new auction process and the requirements for successful bids will have a competitive edge.

Bidding for grid access is now the name of the game

When there is limited capacity in the grid, you will no longer simply enter a queue and wait your turn, but will compete in a formal, scheduled process to secure connection rights. The procedure sets out when auctions will take place, the basic eligibility thresholds, and the requirement for financial guarantees, transforming what used to be a largely administrative checkpoint into an event with clear commercial consequences.

Concretely, the rule targets generation and storage facilities with a capacity of 5 MW or more and ties allocation to an annual calendar; successful bidders receive rights to a network slot for a defined period, while unsuccessful applicants must wait for the next round or explore alternative connection options. 

The procedure also formalises the documentation expected at application – technical studies, proof of land rights, preliminary permitting status and binding financial instruments – so that the TSO (Transmission System Operator) can evaluate applications not only for feasibility but for execution readiness. That change means the connection stage will demand coordinated work across technical, legal and financial teams well before the auction window opens.

To make the new regime easier to scan, the core elements you need to know are:

• Who is affected: generation and storage projects ≥5 MW.
  
• When it starts: on January 1, 2026, the Methodology for allocating electrical network capacity will apply, according to Article 25 of Law no. 123/2012 on electricity and natural gas, and ANRE Order no. 53/2024 (the auction calendar will be published by Transelectrica).

• What is required: a complete application package (technical study, land/permitting evidence, financial guarantees).
  
• What you get if you win: a time-bounded allocation of network capacity and the right to progress to final connection steps.
  
• What happens if you lose: you either wait for the next auction, negotiate an alternative connection point, or revise the project to be more competitive in the next round.

The auction advantage – why timing, financial readiness, and maturity matter

The shift to capacity auctions is a game-changer that demands strategic thinking:

Timing is key

With annual auctions, timing is everything: if you miss the window, the same allocation is generally only re-offered the following year.  You need to align their schedules with the auction calendar and plan ahead to ensure all documentation is ready on time.

Takeaways:

• Sync your timeline with auction dates.
  
• Allow time for documentation and potential delays.

Financial readiness

Along with technical requirements, you must provide financial guarantees as part of the auction. These costs should be factored into your financial model, and you should prepare for the possibility of delays if you don’t win a bid.

Takeaways:

• Account for guarantees and auction-related costs in your financial planning.
  
• Prepare for potential delays and adjust financing accordingly.

Maturity wins

The auction rewards mature projects with completed permits, studies, and financing. The TSO will assess not just feasibility, but execution readiness. You will stand a better chance of securing a grid slot if your project is well-prepared.

Takeaways:

• Ensure permits, studies, and financing are nearly complete before bidding.
  
• Prove your project is execution-ready.

Immediate actions you must take

The new capacity auction system requires you to be proactive. Here are the key steps to prepare your project for success:

1. Align your timeline with auction dates

Auction dates are now critical milestones. Missing an auction means waiting another year, so ensure your permits, studies, and financing are ready well in advance.

• Action: Sync project deadlines with the auction calendar.
  
• Action: Factor in potential delays for permits and financing.

2. Prepare the required documentation

You must submit a complete package, including technical studies, land rights, permitting, and financial guarantees.

• Action: Ensure all documentation is complete and up to date.

3. Secure financial guarantees

You need to provide financial guarantees as part of the auction process, so budget for these upfront costs.

• Action: Include guarantee costs in your financial plan.

4. Build a risk management plan

If your project doesn’t win an auction, have a backup plan for alternative connection points or delays.

• Action: Develop contingency plans for potential delays or losing the auction.

5. Prove project maturity

Transelectrica will prioritize projects that are execution-ready with completed permits and financing.

• Action: Ensure your project is fully prepared to demonstrate maturity and readiness.

The role of BESS in winning the grid

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a crucial role in the new auction system. By optimizing the storage design, you can increase your project’s grid value and improve auction competitiveness.

Commercial opportunity with BESS

A properly sized and integrated BESS system opens the door to more revenue streams. By providing services such as ancillary services, arbitrage, and grid balancing, your project becomes more valuable and can generate higher returns. This makes it more attractive during the auction process.

→ Ensure your project can offer multiple services (arbitrage, reserve power, etc.) and demonstrate how you will monetize those services in your financial model.

BESS can influence your chances of winning the auction

• Dimension your BESS for MW power (instantaneous discharge), not just MWh capacity.
  Prioritize BESS design that focuses on rapid power delivery, which is a key factor in the auction evaluation.
  
• Demonstrate fast response rates and advanced control systems
  Highlight in your technical documentation that your BESS can react quickly to grid fluctuations, boosting your project’s competitiveness.
  
• Monetize multiple services, such as arbitrage and ancillary services
  Show how your BESS can provide valuable services like energy arbitrage, reserve power, and grid balancing. This will increase your project’s attractiveness and improve your bid’s chances of success.

Ready, Set, Bid

With Romania’s new auction system, success hinges on strategic preparation, timing, and execution readiness. Developers who rise to the challenge and embrace the auction system’s competitive nature will be the ones leading the charge in Romania’s renewable energy transition.

Now is the time to align your project’s timeline, secure financial guarantees, and optimize your BESS design. Don’t wait for the auction window to open and risk missing out – get ahead of the curve by ensuring your project is auction-ready.

The auction system rewards those who are prepared and proactive. Start preparing, plan your next steps, and secure your place in the market. 

Wiren is your partner in renewable energy projects

For developers, the success of a renewable energy project depends on efficient planning and execution. We offer complete solutions for photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage (BESS), covering all stages from obtaining permits and integrating BESS to overseeing execution and optimizing performance.

Power up your plans with the right energy and build a sustainable future with Wiren!

Ready to take the first step? It’s time to bid for the grid.