Romania will need more and more energy as it develops and the level of prosperity increases, but the challenge is for that energy to have as little carbon footprint as possible, said Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom, at the 9th edition of the Energy Strategy Summit, an event organized by Energynomics.

“I think that in the last two years it has become clear that the energy transition must also mean energy security, as well as affordable energy prices. We strongly believe that gas is a component of the energy transition and that is why the crown jewel of our portfolio remains the Neptune Deep project for which we are working intensively so that we have the decision to invest this summer. We’re not just concerned with how we’re going to get our products to market, we’re also concerned with reducing the carbon footprint of our operations,” said Verchere.

All energy companies have created, in recent years, energy transition plans, and this direction is extremely clear at the level of the entire European Union. OMV Petrom’s energy transition strategy foresees investments of 11 billion euros until 2030, of which 35% will be directed to projects with zero carbon emissions, 20% will be allocated to the development of the Neptune Deep offshore natural gas field in the Black Sea , and the rest for “traditional activities” that will remain very important.

Verchere added that the first investments in projects with low carbon emissions revolve around renewables, a sector in which OMV Petrom will get more involved, including through the partnership with CE Oltenia for the installation of photovoltaic parks.

“Being already an electricity producer, it is a logical move for us to continue to get involved in this field. We believe that a combination of energy produced from gas and renewables will ensure stability for customers. In the partnership with CE Oltenia, they participate with the land and the connections to the electrical network, and we come with the financial strength and business capabilities”, said the head of OMV Petrom.

At the same time, the company controlled by the Austrian group OMV also has a biofuels strategy for aviation and electromobility. The company will also be involved in the production of green hydrogen and will invest in a 20 MW electrolysis unit. However, the market entry of this fuel will be felt more strongly only from the next decade.

“From the analysis we did, hydrogen will gain momentum in the next decade, but Romania offers opportunities in this area and we intend to take advantage of them,” Verchere said.

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.