INNIO Group “Ready for H2” engines selected to modernize Romania’s CHP plants transition to net-zero

INNIO Group’s Jenbacher “Ready for H2” engines have been selected by Elsaco Electronic – a prominent Romanian company specializing in engineering, procurement, and construction – as the technology of choice to support transitioning Romania’s energy infrastructure to greener operations. The Jenbacher technology will be the core of two power plants producing both power and heat in the municipalities of Arad and Constanta. Initially operating on gas, these units can be converted from pipeline gas to hydrogen operation in the future.

The two projects are EU-funded based on the Romanian National Recovery and Resilience Plan and support Romania’s target to achieve Net Zero by 2050. They are expected to reduce primary energy consumption by approximately 30% compared to separate production of power and heat and can provide a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Clarke Energy will support the CHP plants containing the eight Jenbacher J920 FleXtra cogeneration units. Five of the engines will operate in Constanta, delivering approximately 53 megawatts (MW) of electrical and 50 MW of thermal energy. The remaining three engines will operate in Arad, delivering approximately 32 MW of electrical and 30 MW of thermal energy. This brings the total output to 85 MW of electrical and 80 MW of thermal energy, equivalent to approximately 180,000 households. Both CHP plants will be pivotal in supporting Romania’s infrastructure with energy security, efficiency and capability to transition to a more sustainable energy system.

“Our collaboration with Elsaco and Clarke Energy on these hydrogen-ready, high-efficient CHP projects is a step towards supporting decarbonization of Romania’s energy supply," said Dr. Olaf Berlien, president and CEO of INNIO Group. "I am proud of how INNIO Group's innovative energy solutions are playing such an active role in achieving a resilient, net-zero energy future.”

“Elsaco is committed to building new power plants that are fundamental to Romania’s energy supply security. INNIO Group’s innovation coupled with Clarke Energy’s expertise offered us exactly the future-proofed hydrogen-ready technology to meet our requirements,” said Șerban Iftime, CEO Elsaco Electronic. “This will support us in building a secure, affordable, and climate-friendly energy supply.”

The projects are expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.