By Ph.D. Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Romanian Minister of Energy
Romania is one of the European states with the highest degree of energy independence and shares renewables in its energy mix, benefiting from gas, hydrological, solar, and wind resources. Also, Romania is one of the few states with an integrated nuclear cycle. More importantly, given our strong energy tradition, we benefit from a generous pool of highly qualified specialists and experts.
The COVID pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the subsequent crises in energy pricing have exerted considerable strain on the economies and investment landscape globally, especially within the EU. In this context, we must work to eliminate emissions efficiently and inclusively. The energy transition is a chance to turn current challenges into opportunities that lead to economic growth.
Romania is committed to increasing its ambition by curtailing greenhouse gas emissions, raising the share of renewable energy, boosting energy efficiency, and enhancing the interconnectivity of our energy networks. We have over 18 bln. Over the following years, EUR planned to build renewable energy power generation capacities and upgrade the grids. At the same time, we are committed to doubling our nuclear and gas exploitation capacities by 2032.
Achieving the goal of climate neutrality most efficiently needs to ensure technological neutrality. Substantial investments are needed across technology chains to attain the emission reduction targets. And this includes reforming natural energy markets based on efficient, clean, flexible energy capacities and innovative technologies.
Romania is uniquely positioned as one of the most energy-independent countries in the EU. Investments in low-carbon generation capacities, transitioning from coal to natural gas and renewables, refurbishing and modernizing energy networks, advanced storage solutions, digitalization, and intelligent grids are crucial. These, coupled with ensuring the compatibility with future uses of new gases and hydrogen, are pivotal in underpinning sector integration and the energy transition. A robust commitment to amplifying renewable energy generation, including offshore wind in the Black Sea, is crucial to our strategy.
Romania has assumed an ambitious goal of phasing out coal from the energy mix and closing coal mines by 2032. The replacement of coal cannot be achieved only by putting into operation capacities from renewable energy sources in such a short time (until 2032). To achieve our decarbonization objectives and maintain the stability of the national energy system, it is necessary to use all available sources with low carbon emissions, such as nuclear energy, which ensure base load capacities while increasing renewable energy sources.
In the nuclear sector, we already have a strong industrial basis. Nuclear power currently represents 18% of Romania’s energy mix, with two units in operation; it creates more than 12.600 jobs in the economy and is a stability factor for our energy grid. We plan to increase our nuclear capacity by developing two additional units on the Cernavoda site by 2032 and extending the operation of our first unit by 2028. We also aim to implement and operate the innovative SMR technology on the site of a former thermal power plant, thus demonstrating in practice the feasibility of coal to nuclear projects.
Romania intends to take full advantage of the Black Sea coast regarding off-shore wind farms. Even if only a fraction of the estimated 75 GW potential is exploited, it will represent a significant step towards developing and utilizing a green hydrogen infrastructure, essential in ensuring energy security and decarbonizing greenhouse gas-intensive sectors such as transport, industry, etc.
From another perspective, we are commencing a new gas exploitation project in the Black Sea, Neptun Deep, which will transform Romania into one of the biggest gas producers in Europe. In this manner, Romania will significantly contribute to EU energy security and reduce dependence on Russian imports.
All in all, Romania now has the historic opportunity to invest in the energy sector with a record level of funding, making a giant leap into the future. We will make the most of this opportunity in an integrated strategic vision – not only for Romania but for the benefit of Europe and the world.
We need to turn challenges into opportunities and use the lessons of the past as a stepping stone for growth. The new climate ambitions for energy efficiency, the deployment of renewables, and the building sector give our industry incentives to embark on the energy transition and contribute to making full use of our capabilities.
Finally, I would like to highlight that the energy transition can only be achieved with the strong involvement of governments, businesses, and citizens. The Romanian-American Institute for Smart Energy is ideally placed to be our partner, fostering the cooperation of Romanian and American energy stakeholders. I look forward to our collaboration and assure you that the Ministry of Energy is your partner in building the future of energy.
