Agriculture and industrial production are the economic sectors most interested in investing in their own capacity to generate energy from renewable sources in order to optimize their costs and protect their profit margins, said Alexandra Floricică, Head of Green Energy at ProCredit Bank Romania, at the 9th edition of the Energy Strategy Summit, an event organized by Energynomics.
“Within one year, between 2021 and 2022, we have doubled the share of investments in renewable energy production, and 22% of our portfolio is currently in energy efficiency investments, renewable energy and environmentally friendly investments. We want to assume an important role in financing the energy transition for households and legal entities in Romania,” Floricică said.
ProCredit Bank Romania mainly finances renewable energy installations of up to 10 MW because it appreciates that this capacity offers companies the opportunity to develop the business they already have, but it is also addressed to foreign investors who see potential in the renewable energy area in Romania .
According to Alexandra Floricică, companies and citizens are in a state of confusion regarding the price of energy, especially since all the recent price increases have left an imprint on the decisions of companies and households. In this context, it has become increasingly difficult for companies to maintain or improve their competitiveness, and this is a reason why they still consider investments in renewable energies appropriate. At the same time, the natural person prosumer is very important for the Romanian energy system because it reduces the existing pressure on the energy system.
Last year was the first year in history that renewable energy exceeded conventional energy production from natural gas and coal. Also in 2022, 40% more photovoltaic plants were installed than in 2021, and these investments reduced energy costs by 10 billion euros.
Energy Strategy Summit 2023 was organised by Energynomics with the support of ABB, ASTRASUN Solar, BCR, CEZ Romania, Eaton Electric, Electrica Furnizare, Electro Service RB, Elektra Renewable Support, EnergoBit, Enevo Group, E.ON, Finder, Huawei, MET România Energy, OMV Petrom, OX2 România, Phoenix Contact, Photomate, ProCredit Bank, REI Grup, Renomia Gallagher, Romgaz, Schneider Electric, Signify, Transelectrica, Taw Energy, Volt, WIKA, Wiren, Alexandrion Group, Aqua Carpatica, Klarmedia and Mobexpert.