As in other fields, Romania’s current power in the energy field is based on geography, history, resources and size.
The largest EU country in the region, Romania is a key player in the European interconnected ENTSO-E electricity transmission network, as it can provide security of supply and balance of networks. Including through the professionalism of the people within the national system operator (Transelectrica), Romania already contributes and will continue to participate in the expansion and strengthening of cross-border electricity networks, for the benefit of the entire European community.
The same situation is found in the field of natural gas transportation. With a lower network density than Hungary and farther from alternative sources of supply to Russian gas than Bulgaria, Romania has built the BRUA gas pipeline, phase 1, in line with its commitments to the European Commission and already allows, through other investments, the support of the Republic of Moldova. These are areas of action in which, through Transgaz, Romania has strengthened its symbolic power at the European and regional levels, representing a model for both Hungary and Bulgaria, but, above all, preparing for the inevitable moment when and the other partner Member States will deliver on their commitments.
The scale of the local economy and the growth rates of gross domestic product and purchasing power of the population in recent decades allow forecasts of energy consumption for the next 30-50 years while reducing the gap with Western Europe in terms of intensity. energy. Therefore, both in terms of electricity generation and the development of new perimeters for the exploitation of natural gas or energy efficiency, Romania is already and can be even more in the future a favorite space for large investments.
Finally, in the area of sustained resource power, Romania has not only proven reserves of natural gas in the Black Sea, significant onshore wind and solar potential still available, and offshore wind resources to which it is barely focusing. Perhaps more important is the human resource – a large body of experts who have built the national energy system and kept it running for the past 30 years, an interval in which industry, economy, Romanian society, but also neighborhoods, partnerships and exchanges have changed dramatically. These experts are up to date with the latest trends and technological bets – from electric mobility and consumption management to carbon capture and the hydrogen industry, from digitization and drones,
It is said that the transformation of power into action is the very essence of politics. The year 2022 will be one in which Romanian politicians are called to show what they can, in order to allow the energy industry to enter a new development cycle.
What do we have to do?
More than ever, the way to go is clear, now, and even clearer is the goal: clean energy for a green society. Like never before, the pathways are innumerable. All resources, coal included, and all technologies do still retain a future – while other resources and other technologies, unknown yet, do strive for a future of their own.
So are the companies. Some build and reap on their history, traditions, and proven actions. Others are transforming themselves to capitalize from different sectors, hedging their chances to survive. Yet others are betting on a future energy industry so much different from the present one that most of us cannot even identify it as such.
However, the ingredients for success in reaching all goals are the same: good people, challenging projects, daring decisions and patience in doing the right thing again and again.
Energynomics is now closing its 9th year of existence and is preparing for another one to contribute to the strengthening of the Romanian energy community through already verified projects, but also based on new ideas. We are here to succeed together!
