Catinvest implements the photovoltaic system in ElectroPutere Parc Craiova through 4ENVIGO
850 MWh of solar energy produced for ElectroPutere Parc through the solution implemented by 4ENVIGO
The implementation of the photovoltaic system in the ElectroPutere Parc project in Craiova represents an example of successful collaboration between a prestigious real estate developer, part of the French real estate group Catinvest, and a local provider of integrated solutions for the transition to green energy, 4ENVIGO. ElectroPutere Parc is a benchmark initiative in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency, which strengthens Craiova’s position as a pole of sustainable development in a cleaner and more responsible urban environment.
General market context
Globally, the real estate sector is responsible for approximately 40% of energy consumption and over a third of carbon emissions, making it a central pillar in the transition to sustainability. Companies are pressured by international regulations (e.g. Net Zero 2050 goals) and investors to adopt green solutions, such as energy efficiency, LEED or BREEAM certifications and the integration of renewable sources, which requires investments of about $1.9 trillion annually in green infrastructure – an amount that needs to be increased to $5.3 trillion per year by 2035.
In Europe, the European Green Deal and EU directives on the energy performance of buildings oblige developers to gradually reduce energy consumption and accelerate sustainable renovations, with ambitious targets for 2030. In Europe, the financing gap for energy efficiency in buildings is estimated at around €185 billion annually.
In Romania, the real estate market is gradually aligning with these standards, stimulated by European funding, corporate tenant demands and the pressure of high energy costs. Thus, the transition to renewable solutions and the digitalization of building management are becoming essential for the competitiveness of the sector.
The challenge
The French group Catinvest is one of the major players in the European real estate market, with over 40 years of experience in developing and managing large-scale real estate projects. Its diversified portfolio includes commercial, office and residential properties, managing over 525,000 m² of space in France and Eastern Europe.
In France, Catinvest manages over 38 emblematic buildings in Paris, and in Central and Eastern Europe it is present through major projects such as Savoya Park in Budapest and Borska Pole in Plzen, Czech Republic. In Romania, the group has become a key player in the retail and office sector through the shopping centers and office buildings it owns and manages: ElectroPutere Parc (Craiova), Orhideea and Esplanada Pantelimon (Bucharest) and Tom (Constanța).
One of the group’s most recent investments in Romania is Aparthotel Craiova, a 12 million euro project, integrated into the ElectroPutere Parc complex. With 100,000 m2 of retail, 24,000 m2 of class A offices, accommodation facilities and additional services for tenants and visitors, ElectroPutere Parc is one of the largest commercial and business centers in the region.
For a mixed retail, office and tourism park like ElectroPutere Parc, energy-related operational costs represent a significant component of operating expenses. In the context of increasing energy prices in recent years and pressure from tenants and investors for efficient and sustainable solutions, Catinvest’s objective was to increase energy efficiency for commercial and office spaces leased to third parties, but also to decrease the carbon footprint, in line with ESG standards and the group’s internal policies.
Project description
The project involved the design of the photovoltaic system capacity, acquisition, transportation, construction, assembly, testing and launch into production. 1,566 AE Solar 485W monocrystalline photovoltaic panels, 6 Huawei 100kW inverters and 2 Huawei 50kW inverters as well as Aerocompact panel mounting structures were used to ensure a total capacity of 722.65kWp.
The installed photovoltaic panels benefit from a full 12-year warranty, as well as a 25-year warranty for maintaining electrical performance. Huawei inverters and Aerocompact mounting systems offer a 10-year warranty. To ensure the performance of the energy system, the initiative was complemented by monitoring services and preventive and corrective maintenance. Technical assistance allows constant supervision of the system performance, monitoring of the energy generated, remote evaluation of the efficiency of the solar panels and electronic components and the performance of essential maintenance activities.
The success and speed of the project implementation were the result of an efficient collaboration between several teams. Thus, 3 4ENVIGO specialists involved in project management, coordination and technical supervision collaborated with 2 specialists dedicated to technical solutions and adaptation to the existing infrastructure and with 15 members assigned to the assembly and installation of the photovoltaic system. For the strategic decisions, as well as for the local technical operational support, 3 people from the Catinvest management were involved. This operational structure, consisting of mixed teams, allowed for fluid communication and rapid implementation, despite the logistical complexity of the works.
Results
Increasing energy independence
By transitioning to photovoltaic systems, ElectroPutere Parc will benefit from an annual green energy production of over 850 MWh, achieving Catinvest’s energy efficiency increase objective.
Fast return on investment
With an estimated saving of approximately 120,000 euros/year by reducing energy bill costs, the system will have a payback period of only 48 months, demonstrating that such a solution is both sustainable and profitable.
Reducing the carbon footprint
The photovoltaic system implemented in ElectroPutere Parc will reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 235 tons each year, supporting Catinvest’s decarbonization objectives.
Testimonial
“For Catinvest, sustainability is a strategic priority, and the partnership with 4ENVIGO has helped us turn this vision into reality. The implementation of the smart energy solution at ElectroPutere Parc reconfirms our commitment to offering tenants and the community a modern, efficient and environmentally responsible space.”
Venera Maria MUNJEV, Group Asset Manager Catinvest Eastern Europe
Solution
In the selection process, the Catinvest group analyzed several suppliers present on the Romanian market, an eliminatory criterion being the ability to provide an end-to-end solution, from design to the provision of after-sales maintenance. The decision to collaborate with 4ENVIGO came after a rigorous evaluation, the decisive criteria being the technical expertise, proven by the scope of similar projects successfully implemented by 4ENVIGO, as well as the ability to provide an integrated package of services, which goes beyond the simple installation of a photovoltaic system.
The services provided by 4ENVIGO included technical consultancy, legal and fiscal support in relation to public authorities, ensuring compliance with the regulations in force, as well as the management of operational expenses in relation to tenants. The end-to-end approach offered by 4ENVIGO, from consultancy and design to installation and commissioning, offered Catinvest the guarantee of a solid partnership and a risk-free implementation.
The integrated solution proposed by 4ENVIGO went through a validation of economic and impact benefits, with the project receiving the green light from Catinvest management in April 2024. Thus, the project was executed in just two months, between 07.04 – 24.05.2025.
Launched into production on May 24, 2025, the Catinvest project involved the installation of 3 photovoltaic plants, with a total capacity of 722.65 kWp, distributed across three buildings within ElectroPutere Parc: two office buildings, which also integrate commercial spaces on the ground floor, and a building with tourist functionality – the Aparthotel. With financing made entirely from the Catinvest group’s own funds, the installed photovoltaic panels benefit from a 25-year warranty to maintain electrical performance. The warranty is conditional on performing annual preventive maintenance services, thus ensuring the optimal functioning of the systems throughout their entire lifespan, with a performance maintained at 84%.
Conclusion
The implementation of the photovoltaic system within ElectroPutere Parc represents a concrete example of successful collaboration between a prestigious international real estate developer and a local provider of integrated green energy solutions.
By choosing 4ENVIGO, the Catinvest group managed to achieve its objectives of energy efficiency, reduction of operational costs and adoption of sustainable solutions friendly to the environment – strengthening the attractiveness of the ElectroPutere Parc complex for tenants and visitors. The ElectroPutere Parc project is an investment in the future of the community, in the image of the Catinvest brand and in building a cleaner and more responsible urban environment. Thus, ElectroPutere Parc consolidates the position of Craiova as a pole of sustainable development and an attractive area for investors.
