Over 200 representatives from Romania’s energy community celebrated industry performance at the 12th Energynomics Energy Excellence Awards. In a gala evening, once again hosted by the National Military Circle in Bucharest, the Energynomics communication platform honoured the most deserving energy companies, projects and personalities of the year. Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja delivered a recorded message (see VIDEO!) and ANRE President George Niculescu (see VIDEO!) opened the evening with messages to the industry and congratulations to Energynomics. Cristian Hubati, OMV Petrom Board Member (see VIDEO!) and Marius Opriș, Ascendis Partner (see VIDEO!) then spoke at the opening of the energy gala evening.
The Energynomics awards were then presented to the winners chosen by an independent jury, composed of Radu Bădiță – ANRE, Elena Popescu – independent expert, Alina Jalea – Romanian Government, Vasile Iuga – Valorem Business Advisors, Radu Hanga – BVB, Mihai Drăghici – EY, Radu Dudău – EPG, Cristian Nacu – IFC, Mihaela Mihăilescu – EBRD, Corneliu Bodea – CRE, Roxana Caliminte – independent expert, Dragoș Fundulea – Roland Berger.
The evening included music by Viorica Pintilie Band (see VIDEO!).
Corporate Social Responsibility – „RENEWACAD”, RWEA
The “RENEWACAD” initiative is training renewable energy specialists free of charge, qualifying more than 4,200 people between 2020 and 2024. The project offers retraining in coal regions, supporting just transition and promoting sustainability through training in areas such as wind, photovoltaics and energy storage. At the same time, “RENEWACAD” works with companies and educational institutions to ensure the full integration of these specialists into the labour market, thus contributing to the development of a green energy sector and reducing the social impact of the energy transition. The project is an example of social responsibility and investment in the future of a sustainable economy.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Deal of the Year – Jantzen Renewables, for the sale of the Helios 1 project
Jantzen Renewables has sold to OMV Petrom the Helios 1 photovoltaic project, located in Teleorman county. With an installed capacity of 710 MW, Helios 1 is one of the largest renewable energy investments in the region. The project is designed to provide electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 280,000 households, with an estimated output of 23,900 GWh over 25 years of operation. In addition, implementation involves a connection to the 400 kV electricity grid via a purpose-built transformer station. The Helios team announced that all relevant construction authorisations and permits have been obtained, including for the full grid connection.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Energy efficiency – OMV Petrom, „Efficient Romania” (Energy Policy Group)
“Efficient Romania”, the largest private project to promote energy efficiency in buildings, run by EPG with the support of OMV Petrom, has renovated schools to nZEB (Near Zero Energy Building) standards. Since 2019, the project has included the extensive renovation of “Elie Radu” Technological High School, Liliești Secondary School and Zig-Zag Kindergarten, contributing to major energy savings and CO₂ emissions reduction. The educational campaigns associated with the project have raised awareness on energy efficiency, positioning “Efficient Romania” as a best practice model.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Funding for the year – Romgaz, for the international bond issuance
Romgaz has attracted 500 million euros through its first international bond issue, part of the EMTN programme. The funds are earmarked for the strategic Neptun Deep project and the transition to a low-carbon company. The issue attracted major international interest, with demand outstripping supply by more than 10 times. This marks a milestone for Romgaz, strengthening its strategic position in the regional energy sector.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Best New Comer – HELLENiQ Energy
HELLENiQ Energy has expanded its activities in Romania, acquiring four photovoltaic projects with a total capacity of 211 MW. They will gradually become operational by 2025, helping to supply 100,000 households with renewable energy. The company, recognised for its transition to green energy, has set its sights on developing a portfolio of 600 MW in Romania, becoming a leader in the renewables sector.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Manager of the year – Alexandru Chiriță, Electrica
Alexandru Chiriță has strengthened Electrica’s position by attracting 450 million euros in European funding for green projects, setting an industry record. Under his leadership, the company implemented the AI-AE system to monitor its energy footprint and established strategic partnerships to develop green technologies. The company’s financial performance has been outstanding, reaching a record 15 lei/share and being included in the FTSE Russell international indices. These achievements highlight a unique combination of vision and strategic execution.
Green energy achievement of the year – Monsson
Monsson has developed an innovative energy storage solution with a total planned capacity of 216 MWh. The system utilises patented technologies and components manufactured in Romania, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for renewable integration. The project contributes to reducing carbon emissions and increases the reliability of the national energy system.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Outstanding development – OMV Petrom, for the Neptune Deep project
The Neptun Deep project, with an estimated investment of 4 billion euros, will turn Romania into the EU’s biggest natural gas producer. In 2024, work began on the offshore platform and support structure. With an estimated production of 100 billion cubic metres, the project supports energy security and Romania’s transition to a more sustainable economy.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Outstanding Career Achievement – Corneliu Pâslaru
With an impressive career spanning over four decades dedicated to the Romanian energy sector, Corneliu Pâslaru is a model of professional excellence, leadership and dedication. A graduate of the Faculty of Electro-energetics at the Polytechnic Institute of Bucharest, at the age of 21 he was assigned to IDEB – Bucharest Electricity Distribution Enterprise, where, for 28 years, he held key positions, profoundly marking the evolution of this vital sector. In 1987, he took over the technical management of the Industrial Centre for Electricity Networks, and since 1998 he has continued to contribute to the development of the national infrastructure as Technical Director for Transmission Networks within the Transport Dispatching Division of CONEL.
His dedication has not been limited to management positions. Mr Pâslaru has been a strong voice in the promotion of innovation and knowledge, serving as President of CIRED Romania, Vice President of the CIGRE Romania Committee and member of the editorial board of the prestigious Energetica magazine. Through dozens of articles, scientific papers and contributions to national and international conferences, he was a true ambassador of Romanian professionalism.
His remarkable contribution will remain in the pages of history that he wrote and coordinated for the Romanian energy sector. Monographs such as “A Century since the Establishment of the Gas and Electricity Company” and volumes dedicated to the development of the National Energy System remain fundamental landmarks for energy historiography. Through these achievements, Corneliu Pâslaru has not only documented the past, but has also built a solid bridge to the future of energy in Romania, demonstrating a broad vision, passion and tireless labour power.
Best initiative for energy transition – PRIME Batteries Technology
PRIME Batteries Technology will expand its production capacity to 2.3 GWh by the end of 2024, strengthening its position as a key player in the European battery value chain. The collaboration with EIT InnoEnergy to increase battery production capacity to 8 GWh demonstrates a strong commitment to Europe’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.
The collaboration harnesses EIT InnoEnergy’s expertise and extensive network to develop next-generation battery technologies that improve performance, lifetime and recycling processes. The focus on innovation is essential to support a sustainable energy transition.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Young Energy Professional – Adrian Constantin (AIEE – Association of Energy Engineers)
Adrian Constantin, 34, started his career in the electricity distribution sector in 2013, and after only one year, he joined Transelectrica, where he has been constantly evolving. For three years, starting in 2020, he worked at the TSCNET regional coordination centre in Munich. From 2023 he returned to Transelectrica and is now preparing for one of the most important responsibilities for an energy professional: that of the Chief Shift Dispatcher at the Central Energy Dispatcher.
Adrian has been involved in professional associations in the energy field since 2015 and since 2024 he is a member of AIEE – Association of Energy and Electrical Engineers.
As a tutor for first year students at the Faculty of Energetics of the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Adrian presented the operational management of SEN through the dispatcher.
See all nominated companies and projects here!
Distinguished Public Service Award “Mihnea Constantinescu” – Valeriu Binig
Valeriu Binig is an emblematic personality in the energy sector, a dedicated leader and a visionary whose activities illustrate excellence in public service. This award recognises his unwavering commitment to the long-term transformation and sustainability of Romania’s energy industry. His technical expertise, combined with an exceptional ability to understand trends and explain strategic options with impact not only at the company level, but also at the national and regional level, is a constant inspiration for more collaborative and responsible approaches. By the collegial decision of the “Mihnea Constantinescu” Association and Energynomics, Valeriu Binig has been named the 2024 winner of the year in the Distinguished Public Service Award “Mihnea Constantinescu”.
Since 2013, the Energynomics awards recognise and reward achievement and best practice in the Romanian energy sector. This year’s Energynomics partners were ABB, Alive Capital, BayWa r.e, BCR, CRC Energy, Datacor, DRI, E-INFRA, Electrica Furnizare, Elektra Renewable Support, EnergoBit, Enery, Enevo Group, Enexus Renewable Energy, Evolve, Evryo, Exim Banca Românească, GoodWe, Huawei, KENO, Noark, Nofar Energy, Ogre, Onsolare, OX2, Photomate, Polytrade Global, Pomega Energy Storage Technologies, Prime Batteries, ProCredit Bank, PPC, Romgaz, Renomia Gallagher, Rompetrol, Schneider Electric, SolaX Power, Transelectrica, Transgaz, Volt, Yeo, Waldevar, WTW Romania. With the support of Alexandrion Group, Aqua Carpatica, Domeniile Sâmburești, Imsol, Kilian Paris, Obsentum, Sixt.
Strategic partners for the Energynomics Awards 2024 were ACCER, ACUE, AFEER, AHK, AIIR, CIGRE Romania, CNR-CME, CRE, EFdeN, EPG, FPE, HENRO, PATRES, RPIA, RWEA.
Monitoring partner: Klarmedia.