The Romanian energy system is in a state of “subsistence”, says Dumitru Chisăliță, president of the Intelligent Energy Association. Thus, the energy system is no longer able to operate safely and efficiently, at any time of the year and regardless of weather or geopolitical conditions. The functioning of the Romanian energy systems (electricity, natural gas, district heating) are in the hands of the weather. In fact, they subsist from one year to the next, from one month to the next, from one day to the next.
District heating systems. District heating systems are, in theory, the most efficient way to ensure the energy needs of the inhabitants of a locality. Theoretically, because Romanian practice has shown the opposite. 30 years ago there were district heating systems in over 300 localities, today there are officially only 47 localities where there are still district heating systems, most of them being in insolvency or at the limit of economic functionality. The technical problems, but also the non-adaptability of the system to the requirements of consumers make these systems to be in a phase of energy subsistence, with a large number of defects, with operating parameters affected by outdoor temperature and bankruptcy conditions outside subsidies.
Electricity systems. For 10 years, Romania has been circulating false figures, which show our status as a mega-producer of electricity in the region. Figures that in fact kept hidden subsidies for thermal energy alive, without those electricity generation capacities still existing or being able to be used, in fact. The consequence is that in 2019 we have twice passed near blackouts and now there are days when we import at the limit of maximum import capacity, whenever the lack of wind, solar energy and water in the dams bring us to a operating limit situation. We can thus say that this system is also “up to date” in terms of electricity production.
Natural gas systems. Romania designed a unitary system of production-import-transport-storage-distribution-consumption 60-70 years ago. This physical construction has remained in force even today, without being adapted to the new functional requirements we face today. Thus, the natural gas system is strongly dependent on the evolution of air temperature, being subjected to heavy operating tests, whenever the temperature drops below -15C.
Consumers. Consumers of different forms of energy often face poor quality of services and the parameters necessary for the operation of the equipment (especially in times of bad weather). To this are added the inefficient energy measures of the last 20 years that have led to massive increases in energy prices, bringing half of Romania’s population into energy poverty.
“We appreciate that Romania has evolved from a harmonized energy system, little influenced by weather conditions (generally only in situations of extreme weather conditions) – to an energy subsistence system, in which almost any change in climate parameters creates mini-energy crises.
“It is important to understand that not only the increase of production capacities is a priority, but especially the rethinking of a new energy system of production-transport-distribution-storage-consumption, which will meet the new consumption requirements. It is also necessary to inform the public about the difficult situation we are in, the growing dependence on energy imports and the fact that a decade of upward trends in energy and gas prices is following,” the expert added.
“The Intelligent Energy Association considers it necessary to recognize this state of energy pre-alert, in which we remain in energetic subsistence and urgently start rebuilding a National Energy System that is again prepared to deal with any situation in accordance with the European Green Deal. This must be accompanied by a reform of the tax system, where energy must no longer be seen as a ‘milking cow’ for the state budget, the level of energy taxation must be reduced, thus making it possible for prices to be affordable for consumers.”
