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Ready or not, it’s here: Transelectrica approves the grid capacity allocation procedure, effective next year
Amid market rumours (largely reflecting developers’ hopes) that the auction-based capacity allocation procedure for new power supplies to the grid would be delayed by the Romanian authorities, on 3 October 2025, CNTEE Transelectrica (the “TSO”) published on its website the Procedure for allocating electricity grid capacity for connecting electricity generation sites (the “Procedure”). The publication nonetheless came after the deadline set by the methodology on the allocation of electricity grid capacity for connecting electricity generation sites, approved by Order no. 53/2024 (the “Methodology”). I. Main rules for the allocation of capacity effective next year The main rules for the capacity allocation
NAMR draft amending Romania’s Petroleum Law with impact on concessions: two new guarantees to be provided by the titleholders
On 8 October 2025, the National Regulatory Authority for Mining, Petroleum, and Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide (“NAMR”) has launched for public consultation a draft bill for amending and supplementing the Petroleum Law no. 238/2004 (the “Draft Law”) (Romanian version available here). Comments to the Draft Order may be submitted to NAMR by 17 October 2025. Context and main provisions of the Draft Law The Draft Law hints at strategic changes contemplated with regard to concession agreements in Romania. The statement of reasons for the Draft Law highlights the need to revisit the existing framework to ensure adequate financial coverage for restoration and environmental compliance, as well as securing
Draft biomethane legislation promises new opportunities on Romania’s energy market
Although biomethane has been regulated by Romania’s Gas Law no. 123/2012 the (“Law 123/2012”) for many years, in practice the development of projects remained blocked. The key obstacle has been the refusal of grid operators to allow the interconnection of such projects, relying on outdated wording of the legal definitions of distribution and transmission gas networks. As a consequence of the above - and given Romania’s ambitions towards achieving a share of at least 5% biomethane in the total volume of gas transported through the National Transmission System and distribution system by 2030 - the Ministry of Energy recently published for public consultation the draft Government Emergency Ordinance for the amendment
Kinstellar strengthens its Energy & Natural Resources practice in Bucharest with the hire of Counsel Raluca Gabor
Kinstellar is delighted to welcome Raluca Gabor as Counsel in its Bucharest office, further strengthening and expanding our Energy & Natural Resources practice in Romania and across the region. Raluca Gabor brings over a decade of experience advising on complex energy, natural resources and infrastructure projects, ranging from renewables, conventional electricity, onshore and offshore oil & gas, mining, natural resources and petrochemicals. In addition to Energy & Infrastructure, she also covers Corporate and M&A, with a strong emphasis on large-scale project development and regulatory compliance. Raluca’s expertise covers the full lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects — from permitting
Kinstellar advises MVM on the acquisition of companies in Serbia
We are proud to support MVM, Hungary’s state-owned energy company, in expanding its presence in Serbia. Our Budapest and Belgrade offices jointly advised on the signing of the transaction documents for the acquisition of majority shares in Energotehnika Južna Bačka and Elektromontaža Kraljevo - raising MVM’s share from 33.4% to 60%. Energotehnika Južna Bačka and Elektromontaža Kraljevo are among Serbia’s leading energy infrastructure companies, with decades of experience and strong market reputations. This strategic move reflects MVM’s long-term commitment to the Western Balkans and strengthens its role in the region’s energy infrastructure. Serbia’s geographic position and favorable market conditions
Overview of Turkey's renewable energy market: Developing or investing in wind, solar, and energy storage projects
Turkey continues to make significant strides in its transition towards a greener energy future. In this brochure, we provide an overview of the current structure and legal framework of the renewable energy market in Turkey, including developments in wind, solar, and battery storage technologies, as well as available investment models and incentive mechanisms. Click on the image below or use the following link to read our full report. Autho rs: Edmund Emre Özer, PartnerNihal Dilan Cantürk, AssociateSimge Erdem, Legal Intern
Auction for the concession of 18 mineral perimeters launched in Romania
Romania’s National Regulatory Authority for Mining, Petroleum and Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide (ANRMPSG) has announced a new bidding procedure for 18 exploration concessions, as outlined in Order no. 280/2025, published in the Official Gazette of Romania on 10 June 2025. This bidding round includes mineral deposits such as limestone (industrial and construction alike), dolerite, salt, lignite, coal, tar sand, polymetallic ore (including gold-silver ore), graphite and feldspar. The concession areas are primarily located in Western Romania (Caras-Severin, Hunedoara, Mehedinti, Valcea, Gorj and Bihor counties), with additional sites in Wallachia and Moldavia. Romanian and international companies interested
Kinstellar advises MVM Group on landmark CCGT power plant development project at the Tisza Power Plant in Hungary
Kinstellar is delighted to announce that our Budapest team has advised MVM Group on the project to build a major (approx. 1,000 MW) new combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in Tiszaújváros, North-East Hungary. This transaction and the Mátra CCGT power plant development were the first public procurement tenders in Hungary for such kind of power generation facilities. The new Tisza CCGT power plant will further support the energy transition of Hungary with the provision of a more reliable electricity system which is capable of integrating renewable power generation assets without endangering the security of supply. Kinstellar Budapest provided comprehensive legal support to MVM Group from the initial stages
New opportunities in biogas and biomethane production in Hungary
Sustainable energy production is playing an increasingly significant role in Hungary’s energy policy. As part of this initiative, the Hungarian government’s recently launched Jedlik Ányos Energy Program plans to support a total of ten projects with a focus on investments in biogas and biomethane production. A draft tender related to biogas and biomethane production has been published for public consultation. The program will allocate a total of HUF 40 billion (approximately EUR 100 million) to cover the entire process—from raw material collection to the further utilisation of residues and by-products—including infrastructure investments and equipment procurement. Out of this total, HUF 18 billion is to be designated
Kinstellar advised Veolia on the acquisition of a stake in Veolia Energie ČR from ČEZ
Kinstellar has successfully advised Veolia on the acquisition of an additional 15% stake in Veolia Energie ČR from ČEZ, increasing its shareholding to more than 98%. This transaction marks a significant milestone in Veolia’s long-term collaboration with ČEZ and further strengthens its position in the Czech energy market. Kinstellar provided comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction, including due diligence, negotiation of transaction documents, and regulatory aspects. The deal aligns with Veolia’s GreenUp strategy, focusing on the transition to cleaner, local, and decarbonised energy sources. The Kinstellar team was led by Kamil Blažek (Partner) and included Michal Forýtek (Counsel), Matěj
Harald Strahberger, a leading regulatory lawyer, joins Kinstellar as Partner in Vienna
Kinstellar is delighted to announce that Harald Strahberger has joined our newly launched Vienna office as a Partner. His addition strengthens our public law and regulatory capabilities, further enhancing the firm’s expertise in Austria and across the wider Central and Eastern European region. With extensive experience advising national and international clients across all aspects of public law, Harald specialises in environmental law (including facility, waste, and water regulations), energy law, trade law, data protection, and state aid law. He also has a strong background representing clients in administrative proceedings and before Administrative Courts, the Supreme Administrative Court, the Austrian Constitutional
Supporting Energy Transition in CEE – Kinstellar successfully completes landmark CCGT Power Plant Development Project for Hungarian MVM Group at the Mátra Power Plant in Hungary
Kinstellar Budapest is proud to have advised the Hungarian MVM Group on the project to build a major new 500 MW combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in North-East Hungary—a key milestone in Hungary’s transition towards a more sustainable energy system. The new state-of-the-art CCGT power plant will replace low-efficiency and high-emission aged lignite-fired power plant assets, and support thereby the further deployment of renewable energy sources in Hungary. Kinstellar Budapest advised the MVM Group from the initial stages of structuring the project, through the drafting and negotiation with several potential bidders of the Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contract, as well as the Long-Term Service