18,000 Cluj residents. 6,000 apartments. Powered through solar energy from Norway
© S.C. Termoficare Napoca S.A.A Greener Cluj
Termoficare Napoca are Cluj-Napoca’s only district heating company, meaning they are the sole responsible for heating and hot water in the public institutions across the city. Today, the heating and hot water provided to city residents, to the public and to other buildings is fully supplied by burning natural gas and using electricity from the national power grid and from some local combined heat and power units integrated in the District Heating System
As Cluj-Napoca strives towards decarbonising with 55% by 2030 and having a zero-carbon energy system in 2050, the addition of these Norway-Grants funded photovoltaic panels could not have come at a better time. The numbers don’t lie. 6,000 apartments are now powered with solar energy, benefitting nearly 18,000 residents. Not only that, but the installation of 696 photovoltaic panels will help Termoficare reduce their annual CO2 emission by 150 tonnes of CO2 eq./year, whilst simultaneously increasing solar energy production by 492 MWh/year.
Cluj-Napoca Mayor Emil Boc proudly stated;
"Out of the total 100% of energy needed to heat these 6,000 homes, 30% of the required energy is produced by these photovoltaic panels." - Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj Napoca
This project aligns with the global movement towards green, non-polluting energy, a vital step towards Cluj-Napoca's commitment to decarbonisation leading to cleaner air and a brighter energy future for the city
Energy Security to Schools
As the sole provider of heating and hot water to public institutions in Cluj-Napoca, Termoficare are concerned with more than greening the energy sources. The company also have a large social responsibility, providing heating security for schoolchildren, sick people and elderly people. Through this project, the company have increased their energy security, and are today in a much better position to provide heating throughout the Transylvanian winter.
In the face of changing weather and energy challenges, this project brings more than clean energy to Cluj-Napoca; it adds an extra layer of resilience to local schools. With extreme weather events happening more often, the project's solar power approach helps make sure schools have a steady supply of heat, even during tough times. This means schools and hospitals can count on hot water running, despite the challenges thrown at them.
Possible through the Norway Grants
This inspiring project, with a value of up to €500,000 was made possible through Termoficare’s strategic leadership, supported by the Norway Grants’ “Energy Programme in Romania”. Financial support as well as project support from the Norway Grants played a major role in realizing Termoficare and Cluj-Napoca’s green ambitions. Termoficare’s technical director Dan Emil Cupsa expresses his gratitude to the partnership with Norway:
“We would like to express a special thanks to our partners in the Norway Grants for the trust and support given in the construction of the photovoltaic park”.
This collective effort, integrating innovative technology, strategic vision, and environmental consciousness, positions Cluj-Napoca on a transformative journey towards cleaner, sustainable energy. The installation of 696 photovoltaic panels not only contributes to Cluj-Napoca's commitment to EU targets for 2030 and 2050 but also sets a powerful example for cities worldwide striving for a greener, more resilient future. Norway is honoured to have played a part in this success story though the financial arm of the Norway Grants.
About the Energy Programme in Romania
The Energy Programme in Romania, managed by Innovation Norway, aims at less carbon intensive energy and increased energy security, providing grants for investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification of households. The Programme financing is ensured through the EEA and Norway Grants which contribute to social and economic development in 10 European countries, including Romania.
About Innovation Norway
Innovation Norway is the Norwegian Government's most important instrument for innovation and development of Norwegian enterprises and industry. Innovation Norway supports companies in developing their competitive advantage and to enhance innovation. In Romania, Innovation Norway is managing two programmes: the Energy Programme and the SMEs Growth Programme.