Interview with
Mirela Pavel,
Acting General Manager of ELCEN
You took over the leadership of ELCEN during a challenging period for Bucharest’s district heating system. What were your main priorities during the first months of your mandate?
Taking over the leadership of ELCEN in November 2025 meant assuming responsibility in a complex environment where operational reliability, energy security and investment planning had to be managed simultaneously. As the main producer of thermal energy for Bucharest and an essential component of Romania’s national energy infrastructure, ELCEN carries a major responsibility both towards citizens and towards Romania’s National Power System (NPS).
My first priority was to ensure the continuity and safety of heat and electricity production, as I took over the mandate during the winter season, when the resilience of the system is tested the most. We focused on maintaining operational stability, optimizing the performance of existing generation capacities and securing all the resources necessary to meet consumer demand.
At the same time, we strengthened dialogue with institutional partners and all stakeholders involved in the district heating chain. The complexity of Bucharest’s centralized district heating system requires close cooperation among all parties involved, and sustainable solutions can only be achieved through coordination, transparency and shared responsibility.
Equally important was maintaining the momentum of ongoing investment projects, which are essential for modernizing energy generation infrastructure and securing access to new projects and financing opportunities.
How do you see ELCEN’s role in the context of the energy transition and the increasing focus on decarbonization?
The energy transition is one of the defining challenges of our generation, and ELCEN has an important role to play in this process. District heating systems remain the most efficient solution for large urban areas, especially when supported by modern high-efficiency cogeneration technologies.
Our mission is to ensure a transition towards a low-carbon economy without compromising security of supply or the affordability of services for consumers. For a city the size of Bucharest, the reliable and continuous delivery of thermal energy is an essential public service, and the modernization process must be implemented in a balanced and responsible manner.
At the same time, through its cogeneration capacities, ELCEN contributes to the security and stability of Romania’s National Power System (NPS), providing electricity that supports the secure operation of the system and enhancing its flexibility in an energy landscape that is constantly evolving.
ELCEN is committed to developing more efficient generation capacities that will significantly reduce emissions while improving operational performance. We closely follow both European and national energy policies and continuously adapt the company’s development plans to meet sustainability and climate neutrality objectives.
Moreover, I believe that the energy transition should not be viewed solely through the lens of environmental protection. It is also about resilience, technological innovation, competitiveness and the ability to provide secure energy services in an increasingly complex environment.
What are the most important investment projects currently on ELCEN’s agenda?
Investments are key to the future of ELCEN, Bucharest’s district heating system and Romania’s National Power System, as new generation capacities are essential for ensuring energy security, system flexibility and the reliable supply of both electricity and thermal energy. Currently, ELCEN is implementing one of the most extensive modernization programs in its history, with total investments exceeding RON 5 billion, supported through the Modernisation Fund. These projects will fundamentally transform the way energy is produced in Bucharest by replacing aging generation capacities with modern high-efficiency cogeneration technologies.
The largest of these investments is the project at CTE București Sud, which involves the construction of a new high-efficiency cogeneration unit with an installed capacity of 275 MWe and 214 MWt. With an estimated value of approximately RON 3.6 billion, this project will significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions and strengthen both Bucharest’s district heating system and the stability of Romania’s National Power System.
A second strategic project is being developed at CTE Progresu, where ELCEN will implement new high-efficiency cogeneration units based on thermal engines, with a total installed capacity of 74.2 MWe and 72.8 MWt. Valued at approximately RON 826 million, the project is designed to provide greater operational flexibility and support the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable energy system.
At CTE Grozăvești, ELCEN is preparing the implementation of a new high-efficiency cogeneration unit with an installed capacity of 32.5 MWe and 41 MWt. With an estimated investment value of approximately RON 600 million, the project will modernize one of Bucharest’s most important energy facilities and contribute to increasing the reliability and efficiency of energy production.
Together, these three projects represent a major milestone in ELCEN’s transformation into a modern, efficient and environmentally responsible energy producer. Beyond improving heat supply for more than one million Bucharest residents, they will strengthen Romania’s energy security, support decarbonization objectives and enhance the flexibility and resilience of the National Power System.
The modernization process requires substantial resources, long-term commitment and strong institutional cooperation. Nevertheless, we are convinced that these investments will create the foundation for a cleaner, more efficient and more resilient energy future for Bucharest and Romania as a whole.
Bucharest’s district heating system is frequently the subject of public debate. What do you consider to be its greatest challenges?
The greatest challenge stems from the fact that district heating is an integrated system in which generation and distribution are closely interconnected. The performance of the entire system depends on the efficiency and reliability of all its components, not only on the generation side.
Over the years, aging infrastructure and losses within the district heating network have affected the overall efficiency of the system. Addressing these issues requires sustained investment, long-term planning and a cooperative approach based on mutual understanding among all the institutions and organizations involved.
At the same time, I believe these challenges should also be viewed as opportunities. The modernization efforts currently underway have the potential to transform Bucharest’s district heating system into a more efficient, sustainable and resilient model for the future.
From ELCEN’s perspective, our responsibility is clear: to ensure safe and efficient energy production while actively contributing to the broader modernization of the entire system. Through professionalism, investment and cooperation, we can help build a stronger and more sustainable energy ecosystem for the Capital.
How would you describe your leadership philosophy in a strategic company such as ELCEN?
Leadership in the energy sector requires a combination of strategic thinking, organizational skills, perseverance and the ability to build trust. My approach is based on responsibility and collaboration.
I believe that strong organizations are built by strong leaders. That is why I place great importance on open communication, building a strong team and creating an environment in which people are encouraged to actively contribute to achieving the organization’s objectives.
At the same time, leadership means having the ability to make decisions, especially during challenging periods. In a sector that directly impacts the lives of millions of people, decisions must be guided by competence, transparency and a strong sense of responsibility towards consumers. Modernizing infrastructure, integrating new technologies and ensuring energy independence during times of crisis are key pillars of the strategic direction I pursue.
My objective is to further develop ELCEN as a performance- driven company, capable of consistently delivering safe and efficient services. My vision for the company’s development is based on four essential pillars: economic efficiency, sustainable investments, operational stability and strengthening ELCEN’s role in ensuring energy security. I believe that real progress can only be achieved by balancing these priorities and maintaining a long-term perspective.
What message would you like to convey to ELCEN’s partners and stakeholders?
ELCEN remains a stable, responsible and forward-looking company, fully committed to ensuring energy security and modernizing Bucharest’s district heating system.
The challenges facing the energy sector today are complex and require cooperation among institutions, companies and communities. We are ready to work constructively with all partners who share the objective of building a more efficient, sustainable and resilient energy future.
I am confident that through investment and collaboration, we will successfully navigate the transformations ahead and create long-term value for our partners, consumers and society as a whole.
The future of energy will be shaped by those who have the vision and determination to act. At ELCEN, we are committed to playing an active role in shaping that future.
