Elsaco Electronic Selects Clarke Energy for Pivotal CHP Projects Supporting Romania’s Transition to Net-Zero

• Elsaco Electronic projects will replace outdated district energy sources with new high-efficiency combined heat and power (CHP) production, reducing primary fuel consumption by up to 30%.
• The two projects will deliver a combined total of up to 85 MW of electrical and 80 MW of thermal energy across two cities, supporting Romania’s plans to achieve net zero by 2050.
• These projects represent a milestone as Clarke Energy’s largest CHP schemes globally and the first time selling INNIO Group’s “Ready for H₂” J920 FleXtra Jenbacher engines.

Clarke Energy, a global leader in efficient distributed power generation solutions, has announced its involvement in two pivotal CHP projects working with Elsaco Electronic and INNIO Group. These initiatives mark a significant advancement in energy efficiency for the district energy networks in Arad and Constan?a, Romania. Historically, these networks relied on steam turbines fuelled by heavy fuel oil and natural gas, with core systems dating back to the 1960s-1980s.

The projects mark a significant milestone for Clarke Energy, representing the first sales of Jenbacher J920 FleXtra engines in both Romania and Clarke Energy’s global operations. Eight J920 FleXtra CHP engines will deliver a total of 85 MW of electrical and 80 MW of thermal energy in the two cities. Five of the engines operating in Constan?a will deliver ~53 MWe and 50 MWth energy, with the further three engines delivering ~32 MWe and 30 MWth in Arad.

Constituting two of the largest and innovative projects in Romania’s CHP sector, this technology will be used for the first time in the country. The equipment, supplied by INNIO Group, will operate on natural gas in a flexible configuration, designed to accommodate future use of a mix of green hydrogen and natural gas or biomethane. The engines form the heart of the rehabilitation schemes for the two power plants. Transforming them into high-efficiency engine-based CHP plants will reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% and significantly lower carbon emissions.

The two EU-funded projects, part of the Romanian National Recovery and Resilience Plan, support Romania’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. Scheduled for completion by mid-2026, these projects focus on lowering CO₂ emissions, utilising energy-efficient technology, and reducing operating costs.

This initiative is a landmark development for Clarke Energy, demonstrating capabilities to deliver high-efficiency power solutions on a significant scale. These projects not only signify a major leap in technology adoption and environmental stewardship but also align seamlessly with global and local efforts to promote cleaner energy and reduce environmental impact.

Serban Iftime, CEO, Elsaco Electronic Commented:“We selected Clarke Energy to supply our CHP schemes with INNIO’s Jenbacher J920 FleXtra engines due to their experience in the Romanian market and robust local aftersales support network. These units form the heart of the refurbished district energy schemes and set a new standard in Romania.”

Gabriel Matei, Managing Director, Clarke Energy Romania Commented
“Clarke Energy is proud to support Romania’s shift towards more sustainable energy practices. This innovative large-scale district energy scheme refurbishment from our customer Elsaco Electronic, sets a new standard for future projects in the region.”