First experimental research park for advanced technologies in alternative energies in Romania was inaugurated in Cluj-Napoca

The first experimental research park for advanced technologies in alternative energies in Romania was inaugurated in Cluj-Napoca. The total value of the project is 2.6 million euros and was financed by the Competitiveness Operational Program and co-financed from the local budget, through the Cluj Innovation Park.

The first photovoltaic and wind park for research in Romania is being built with European funds and funds from the local budget in the Lomb area of the municipality, within the Cluj Innovation Park (CIP).

The project is the result of the involvement of partners from the Cluj ecosystem in the field of energy: the CITAT-E project (Innovative Cluster for Pilot Advanced Technologies in Alternative Energies) is carried out by INCDTIM – the National Research and Development Institute for Isotopic and Molecular Technologies – the applicant for funding on behalf of the cluster TREC – Transylvania Energy Cluster, in partnership with CIP.

– The technologies installed in the new photovoltaic and wind park, built on an area of 17,000 sqm, allow a capacity of approx. 1 MW.

– The park is also intended to function as a research laboratory for testing in real conditions the energy efficiency produced by photovoltaic panels and modern wind installations. The park will fulfil the role of a support platform for carrying out complex research in the field of alternative energies, providing free access to existing facilities for members of the TREC cluster carrying out research activities in the field.

– The energy produced in this park will be used within the Cluj Innovation Park, it is estimated that approximately 70% of the energy required for the operation of the CREIC complex will be covered by this project.

“This project is important for our city because it shows that we are on the right track. Cluj-Napoca received recognition from the European Union to be in the top 10 European cities that aim to become climate neutral. First of all, it is about a healthy life in Cluj-Napoca, less pollution and more green energy. At the European level, we have approximately 400 premature deaths annually due to pollution. These investments in the non-polluting green dimension, wind and solar, will lead to cheap, accessible energy for citizens. This is the future, let’s manage to attract as much solar energy as possible. That’s what we have specialists for because it’s not easy. Solar energy must be captured, stored, then distributed. This project is a continuation of the photovoltaic park in Someșeni, but also of those concerning the installation of photovoltaic panels on 9 public buildings in the city. By placing these photovoltaic panels, we eliminated greenhouse gases equivalent to 2,500 trees in just one year,” said mayor Emil Boc.

The partners in this project: INCDTIM – the National Research and Development Institute for Isotopic and Molecular Technologies and the TREC cluster – Transylvania Energy Cluster and Cluj Innovation Park, are part of the Cluj-Napoca 2030 Net Zero City Coalition – a space for dialogue about “Mission 100 of smart and climate-neutral cities until 2030”, of which Cluj-Napoca is a part. In context, in October Cluj-Napoca received the EU Mission Label.