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Rovinari Power Plant
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The Rovinari Power Station is a major cornerstone of Romania's energy grid, located in the coal-rich Gorj County. Commissioned in 1972, it is one of the largest lignite-fired thermal power plants in the country, historically reaching a capacity of over 1,700 MW. The facility utilizes coal extracted from nearby open-pit mines to provide a stable baseload of electricity for the national system. In recent years, the plant has undergone significant environmental upgrades to comply with EU standards, including the modernization of Unit 5. As Romania transitions toward a greener energy mix, Rovinari remains a strategic asset for energy security while preparing for future conversion to lower-emission technologies.
- Location: Gorj, Romania
- Top sights: Dâmbova · Rovinari Power Station · Castra of Pinoasa
- Nearby: Târgu Jiu (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 16 | 10 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 46 | 51 | 59 | 88 | 95 | 83 | 60 | 59 | 66 | 57 | 57 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Rovinari Power Plant is a large coal-fired power plant in the Oltenia coal basin, Romania, and an essential component of national energy supply. It provides electricity to the region and is a major employer, but also shapes the environmental landscape.
Visiting
The power plant is an active industrial site and closed to the public. From surrounding roads, especially national road DN67, the facility with its cooling towers and chimneys can be well observed.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the bridge over the Jiu River on DN67, from where the entire power plant with its distinctive cooling towers is visible. Also, the hill north of Rovinari features a good panoramic view.
Local products
In the region around Rovinari, agricultural products like corn, wheat, and sunflowers are grown. Local markets offer traditional Romanian products such as mămăligă (polenta), sheep cheese, and homemade schnapps.
Active season
The power plant operates at a high level year-round, with increased production in winter months when electricity demand rises. The harvest season in late summer brings additional activity to local markets and agriculture.
Nearby
Combine the visit with the city of Târgu Jiu, famous for Constantin Brâncuși's sculptures such as the Endless Column and the Gate of the Kiss. The nearby Subcarpathian hills offer hiking opportunities and photogenic villages.
Geography
Facts
- Construction began in 1968, with the first unit commissioned in June 1972.
- The plant has a modern installed capacity of approximately 990 MW.
- Unit 5 was recently modernized in a 100-million-euro project in 2024.
- Primarily fueled by lignite from the nearby Tismana and Roșia mines.
- The station's chimneys are among the tallest industrial structures in the region.
- Strategic electricity provider, especially during peak winter demand periods.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Rovinari Power Plant (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Rovinari Power Plant?
It is one of Romania's largest lignite power plants, located right next to an open-pit mine.
Can you visit the site?
No, it is a strategic industrial site with no public access.
How is electricity produced?
By burning lignite (brown coal) mined in the immediate vicinity.
Can the open-pit mine be seen from the road?
Yes, from some points along the national road, the massive pits are visible.
Where is Rovinari located?
Near Târgu Jiu, in Gorj County, southwestern Romania.
Rovinari Power Plant: where is it located?
Rovinari Power Plant is located in Gorj, Romania.
Rovinari Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Dâmbova, Rovinari Power Station, Castra of Pinoasa.
Rovinari Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Rovinari Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Rovinari Power Station is a major cornerstone of Romania's energy grid, located in the coal-rich Gorj County.
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Nearby cities
Târgu Jiu
Târgu Jiu is the capital of Gorj County.
Târgu Jiu
Capital of Gorj.
Lupeni
Lupeni is a city in the Jiu Valley, Hunedoara County.
Motru
Mining town.
Rovinari
Energy center.
Bumbești-Jiu
Bumbești-Jiu is a town in Gorj County, Romania, strategically located at the southern entrance of the spectacular Jiu Valley gorge.
Târgu Cărbunești
Târgu Cărbunești is a historic market town in Gorj County, situated in the rolling hills of the Getic Subcarpathians along the Gilort River.
Turceni
Turceni is a vital industrial town in Gorj County, situated in the Oltenia region along the Jiu River.
Tismana
Tismana is a historic town in Gorj County, located in the Oltenia region at the foot of the Vâlcan Mountains.
Novaci
Novaci is a charming town in Gorj County, widely known as the southern gateway to the Transalpina, Romania's highest paved road.
Rânca
The highest mountain resort in Romania, situated on the famous Transalpina high-altitude road.
Transalpina
The highest alpine road in Romania, also known as 'The King's Road', crossing the Parâng Mountains.
History & landmarks
Nature
Parângul Mic Peak
Parângul Mic is a well-known peak in the Parâng Mountains with an elevation of 2,074 meters.
Parângul Mare
Parângul Mare is the highest peak of the Parâng Mountains in the Southern Carpathians.
Cârja Peak
Cârja Peak is a summit in the Parâng Mountains.
Iezerul Peak
Iezerul Peak is part of the Parâng massif in the Southern Carpathians.
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Bănița Gorges Nature Reserve
The spectacular Bănița Gorges in Hunedoara County are known for their narrow, winding rocky walls.
