The operating profit posted by the Czech group CEZ in Romania increased by 22% in Q1/2013

The EBITDA of the Czech group CEZ increased in Romania by 22% in Q1 2013, from CZK 1.4bn in the first three months of the past year to CZK 1.8bn (EUR 70.4mln) this year, due to the completion of the wind park in Cogealac. On the production and trading segment, CEZ posted in Romania an EBITDA of CZK 1.4bn (EUR 54.76mln), up 60% against CZK 800mln in the similar period last year. The result was influenced by the increasing production of wind parks Fantanele and Cogealac (Constanta County), as well as by the start of granting an increased number of green certificates at the end of last year, a report of the group reads. The two wind farms, with 240 turbines, produced in Q1 408GWh, up 41%, from about 300GWh last year. Distribution and sale operations in Romania recorded an EBITDA of CZK 40mln (EUR 15.6mln), down 35% compared with CZK 600mln posted last year. In Q1 2012 the result of the sales division of CEZ Romania was positively influenced by a windfall payment in account of CFR’s debts. CEZ expects this year in Romania an increase in EBITDA by CZK 1.1bn, from CZK 5.1bn reported for last year. The evolution should be supported by the increase in energy production of wind farms.