GISI Consulting Group company Hill International has been selected by Electrocentrale București S.A. (ELCEN) to provide owner’s engineering services for two major energy modernization projects in Bucharest. These projects, funded through the European Commission’s Modernization Fund, will introduce high-efficiency gas cogeneration units at the CTE Grozăvești and CTE Progresu combined heat and power (CHP) plants.

What Is High-Efficiency Gas Cogeneration?

High-efficiency gas cogeneration is a way of producing electricity and heat at the same time from a single fuel source—usually natural gas. Instead of generating electricity in one plant and heat in another, cogeneration combines both processes in one system. This makes it much more efficient because the heat that would normally be wasted in power generation is captured and used for heating buildings or water. The result is lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and cost savings compared to traditional separate systems.

In Bucharest’s case, these new units will also be “hydrogen-ready,” meaning they can use cleaner fuels in the future, reducing carbon emissions in line with the European Green Deal.

Hill International: Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure

At CTE Grozăvești, Hill will oversee the development of a cogeneration unit with a capacity of 32.5 megawatts electrical (MWe) and 41 megawatts thermal (MWt). At CTE Progresu, the new unit will have a capacity of approximately 72.4 MWe and 72.8 MWt.

“These modernization projects are prestigious additions to Hill’s portfolio in Romania,” says Ioannis Kirkinezis, Vice President and Managing Director Balkans at Hill International. “As owner’s engineer, we look forward to providing project management and technical oversight to help ensure that the project team delivers each stage of implementation in accordance with ELCEN’s expectations.”

Manolis Sigalas, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Europe, added: “Romania’s efforts to modernize its energy and heating systems represent a major step towards sustainable power generation. The energy transition is here, but it requires commitment, technical expertise, and strategic foresight. Hill International has experience managing complex industrial and energy programs across Europe. Our teams leverage that experience to help our clients deliver infrastructure for a cleaner future on time and within budget.”

“Hill International’s leadership on these projects reflects the strength of GISI Consulting Group’s global network in delivering sustainable infrastructure,” says GISI Consulting Group CEO Derek Amidon. “These initiatives will not only improve reliability and efficiency for Bucharest but also set a benchmark for integrating hydrogen-ready technology into urban energy systems.”

Hill International provides program, project, and construction management services for clients in a range of sectors undertaking major construction projects across the world. Hill is the 3rd largest project and construction management firm in the U.S., as featured in Building Design + Construction magazine. Hill is also ranked as the 8th largest overall U.S. construction management firm by Engineering News-Record. The team has participated in more than 90,000 project assignments with a total construction value of over $1 trillion, and operates in more than 100 offices across 42 countries.