Romania Advances EU’s Largest Solar Farm to Close Renewables Gap

The European Union’s largest solar farm has moved a decisive step closer to reality, promising to deliver clean power to nearly one million people.

Romania’s Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has granted an establishment authorisation for the Dama Solar farm, a milestone confirming that developer Rezolv Energy has secured the financing required for the massive infrastructure project.

Located in Arad County near the Hungarian border, the facility targets commercial operation by 2030. Once online, its 1.24 GW installed capacity will surpass Germany’s Witznitz Solar Park to become the EU’s largest operational solar installation.

Romania’s Power Mix: A Heavy Fossil Reliance

The project arrives as Romania trails the bloc in renewable adoption. According to energy think-tank Ember, solar supplied just 9.78% of the country’s electricity last year, well below the EU average of 13.1%. Wind generation similarly lagged at 12% versus the EU’s 17%, while bioenergy and nuclear also fell short.

Hydropower led Romania’s 2025 generation mix at 24.3%, yet fossil fuels remained deeply entrenched. Gas accounted for 16.9% and coal 15.2%—both exceeding EU averages of 16.8% and 9.18% respectively.

Output Potential and Economic Impact

Rezolv Energy estimates the farm could theoretically generate 10.86 TWh annually—more than double Romania’s current total solar output. Even at a conservative 15% capacity factor, production would reach 1.63 TWh, sufficient for over 280,000 households and close to one million residents.

Construction is expected to create more than 500 jobs over the next three years. The developer states the project will make a “remarkable contribution” to Romania’s 2030 renewable targets and is evaluating substantial energy storage to minimise curtailment during low-demand periods.

Land stewardship plans include returning low-quality agricultural acreage to pasture, with sheep grazing to manage vegetation. An 82-hectare nature reserve—among the largest private-led restoration efforts tied to a solar project in Southeastern Europe—will also be established.

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