Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja delivered a comprehensive and detailed message at the Energynomics Awards 2024 Gala, marking achievements in the energy sector and outlining strategic priorities for the future.
Burduja opened his speech by praising the organisers: “You are a respected publication in a complicated sector, in an even more complicated country. I congratulate you for what you are doing and please continue to do good things for the country.”
New national energy strategy
The Minister emphasised the adoption of a new national energy strategy, the first in 17 years, a document that defines Romania’s energy transition with pragmatism and vision. The strategy sets out a gradual transition from the use of fossil fuels, especially coal, to natural gas in the short and medium term and then to nuclear energy.
“The transition from an energy sector that still relies heavily on fossil fuels to a cleaner energy sector is wisely defined. Romania now has a strategy that provides clear directions for the future of national energy,” said Mr Burduja.
At the same time, the Ministry of Energy has stepped up access to European funds through the NRRP and the Modernisation Fund. These resources support massive investments in new generation capacity. Mr Burduja mentioned that Romania is supporting the development of 10,000 MW from renewable sources – solar and wind – and has launched the first tender for CfD (contracts for difference) contracts, an innovative mechanism designed to ensure predictability for investments.
“I hope that by the end of this year we will send the contracts for signature, and that the exercise price will be competitive, beneficial for both investors and the Romanian state, and therefore for all Romanians,” the minister explained.
Investing in nuclear energy and energy storage
Burduja also detailed important developments in the nuclear sector. Romania has signed the contract for reactors 3 and 4 at Cernavodă and is close to finalising the process of Unit 1’s retrofitting. In addition, the technology for small modular reactors (SMRs) has entered a new phase and investment decisions are expected in 2025.
“We will have, by the end of next year, all the necessary arguments to be able to decide on the investment in small modular reactors,” the minister emphasised.
Another key point is energy storage, essential for the stability of the energy system. Burduja has announced the signing of contracts for new storage capacity, as well as plans to expand it through the CfD mechanism.
“Storage is very important. Through the Contracts for Difference mechanism, we will finance new capacity to support the energy transition,” the minister added.
Revitalising Romanian industry and calling for responsibility
A key aspect of the minister’s vision is to support Romanian industry. Mr Burduja spoke about relaunching the production of photovoltaic panels in Bârlad and Sfântu Gheorghe, as well as about the collaboration with international partners for the manufacture of state-of-the-art batteries in Oradea.
“The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Sinteza brings batteries that meet the latest technology standards and do not depend on critical materials from China. This is an important achievement for our industry,” he pointed out.
Finally, the minister appealed for responsibility, recalling the geopolitical context and the importance of Romania’s membership of NATO and the European Union: “These are complicated times and we are on the verge of losing all this progress. I ask you all to do what it takes to keep Romania in Europe and NATO.”
The Energynomics Awards Gala 2024 enjoyed the support and trust of the most reputed institutions and professional associations in the local energy sector.
Partners: 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. Cu sprijinul Alexandrion Group, Aqua Carpatica, Domeniile Sâmburești, Imsol, Kilian Paris, Obsentum, Sixt.
The 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.