Sixteen Romanian energy projects are included by the European Commission on the list of projects of common interest (PCI) to achieve the objectives of the Energy Union, according to the first annual report on this initiative. By including them on the list, projects are eligible for funding via Connecting Europe financing facility.
European Commissioner for Climate and Energy, Arias Cañete, said at the launch of the report: “A modern and reliable energy infrastructure is an essential element for the energy to circulate freely in Europe. All these projects will support the integration of energy markets, will diversify sources and supply routes and will end the isolation of some Member States. Our funds, invested in these projects, will serve the goal of providing to all Europeans clean energy at affordable prices.”
Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President responsible for energy union, said: “After nine months, we can say with confidence that we did not strayed from the path to realize the Energy Union. My messages for 2016 are clear. First, the EU should continue to play a leading role in the transition to a low carbon economy. Second, this transition should be socially equitable and focused on the consumer. Third, geopolitical challenges that we faced this year will not disappear. Also, 2016 will be the year when we will establish a robust system of governance, ensuring predictability and transparency, the environment that investors need. In conclusion, 2016 will be a year of accomplishments!”
The list of Romanian PCI
In 2014, Romania interconnection capacity was 7% of total energy production, while for 2020 and 2030, the targets are 10%, 15% respectively. The proposed projects on the list have the role to reach these targets. The projects are:
- Construction of Romania – Bulgaria gas interconnection (lines Dobrogea – Burgas, Cernavodă – Stâlpu, and Gutinaș – Smârdan)
- Finalizing the link România – Serbia (Reșița – Pancevo interconnection, internal lines Porțile de Fier – Reșița, Reșița – Timișoara/Săcălaz, Arad – Timișoara/Săcălaz)
- Construction of interconnection between Bulgarian NTS and Podișor – Horia pipeline
- Increasing capacity on Hurezani – Horia – Csanadpalota pipeline
- Interconnecting the national gas system with international pipelines
- Reverse flow on Isaccea pipeline
- Construction of one of the following gas storage units: Depomureș, Sărmășel or a new unit
- Construction of BRUA( reverse flow for Romania – Hungary interconnection, Podișor – Horia pipeline, three compressing stations – Jupa, Bibești, Podișor – , expansion of capacity towards Hungary at 4,4 billion cubic meters/year, connecting offshore gas reserves with onshore gas system through Black Sea – Podișor pipeline)