Fourteen companies in Romania's food industry are investing EUR 25.5 million in PV panels installation projects, supported by over EUR 17.1 million from the Modernisation Fund. These installations — exceeding 1 MW capacity — aim to boost self-consumption and promote renewable energy adoption in the sector.
Non-Refundable Funding Boosts Investments
Fourteen companies from the food industry are spearheading a significant transition to renewable energy. Together, they are investing EUR 25.5 million in photovoltaic (PV) panels installation projects, each with capacities greater than 1 MW. This push toward renewable energy is set to ensure self-consumption for these businesses, reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources, Economica.net reports.
A major driver of this initiative is the availability of non-refundable funding. Over EUR 17.1 million of the total investment comes from the Modernisation Fund, a program managed by the Ministry of Energy. The scheme — designed to support green energy projects — is administered through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agency for Financing Rural Investments.
Overall, the Ministry of Energy has allocated EUR 20.2 million from the Modernisation Fund to promote renewable solar energy projects exceeding 1 MW in capacity. These investments are part of a broader strategy to boost green energy adoption across Romania’s agricultural and food industries.
Carmistin Group: Leading the Way in PV Panels Installation
The Carmistin Group — a prominent player in Romania’s meat production sector — stands out as the largest investor in PV panels installation. Through its subsidiary Avicarvil, the group is dedicating EUR 5.2 million to two solar energy projects in Mihăești, Vâlcea, and Târgu Jiu. Of this amount, EUR 3.3 million comes from non-refundable funding.
The projects will add a combined solar capacity of 7.1 MW, distributed as 4.5 MW from PV panels and 2.6 MW from a photovoltaic power plant. These installations will serve Avicarvil’s production units, supporting its extensive poultry processing operations.
In 2023, Avicarvil achieved a remarkable milestone by opening a poultry slaughterhouse in Vâlcea, following a EUR 75 million investment. The company processes over 30 million chickens annually, maintaining its position as a leading poultry producer. Despite this, it reported net losses of 16.2 million lei.
Other Key Investors
Several companies are making significant investments in renewable energy, emphasizing sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Maxime Prime leads with a EUR 4.6 million investment to build a 4.9 MW photovoltaic park in Chiscani, Brăila — the largest single capacity among the 14 companies.
Pasta producer Sam Mills International — part of the Danish group Givesco — is following suit with a EUR 2.2 million solar energy project in Botiz, Satu Mare, creating a 2 MW capacity, which is supported by EUR 1.5 million in non-refundable funds. The Morandi Group — recognized for its Fermele Moraru poultry brand — is advancing its green energy goals with a EUR 1.8 million investment for a 3.5 MW solar energy capacity in Vaslui, of which EUR 1.5 million is funded through grants.
Europig — part of the Sergiana Group — is contributing EUR 1.72 million to a 3.3 MW capacity project, which is backed by EUR 1.2 million in non-refundable funding. Meanwhile, meat and dairy producer Unicarm is investing EUR 1.7 million in a 2.4 MW project, also leveraging significant grant support.
Broader Renewable Energy Initiatives
The Ministry of Energy’s allocation of EUR 20.2 million from the Modernisation Fund reflects its commitment to renewable energy expansion. While the approved budgets for the projects include significant funding, companies also face additional costs. These expenses, such as feasibility studies and project management, are ineligible for funding under the current scheme.
Seventeen companies — including the 14 food industry leaders — have benefited from the Aid Scheme for Renewable Energy Investments. This program supports new electricity production capacities aimed at self-consumption within the agricultural and food sectors.
With major players like Carmistin, Maxime Prime, and Sam Mills leading the way, the future of green energy in Romania looks promising. The success of these projects could inspire other industries to follow suit, accelerating the country’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.