Romania has the resources, technology and financing to make the transition to a sustainable transport and energy system. What is still lacking is a clear, coherent and predictable framework to turn good ideas into functioning infrastructure and provide citizens with real and efficient alternatives. In addition, permits, authorisations and regulations remain significant barriers, said Ciprian Diaconu, President of CIGRE Romania.
A sustainable approach requires a shift towards electrified public transport. In major European cities, this type of transport is a viable and efficient alternative, characterised by predictability, cleanliness and adherence to timetables. In Romania, the development of infrastructure for trams, trolleybuses, metros or fast trains could provide a concrete alternative to the excessive use of private cars, helping to reduce emissions and improve traffic flow.
Freight transport can also be optimised through electrification, using battery or catenary-powered trains and trucks. Investment in modern railway infrastructure could bring substantial benefits in terms of both economic efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint.
According to Mr Diaconu, Romania has considerable renewable energy potential, but the pace of development remains modest. From 2015 to 2025, installed photovoltaic capacity has increased from around 1,000 MW to 3,000 MW, but this is insufficient for an accelerated transition. Although technical approvals have been issued for the connection of more than 100,000 MW, only about 30% of the projects have a real chance of implementation, he added, at the “Energy Day” conference organised by Energynomics within the Green Energy Expo & Romenvirotec 2025.
Another critical point is the lack of storage solutions. Without batteries and smart grid balancing systems, renewable energy remains vulnerable to variations in production. Storage brings major benefits: it optimises consumption, reduces pressure on the grid and can help reduce distribution and transmission costs.
In this context, consumers who store their energy locally should be encouraged through bonus policies, not penalised. Grid operators currently operate under rigid regulations that do not keep pace with technological developments or the need for flexibility. Romania needs proactive public policies, not just reactive ones, and concrete tools to translate strategies into reality.
A relevant example is the lack of a national programme to support homeowners’ associations wishing to install photovoltaic panels on blocks of flats. While the process is simpler for houses, there are additional difficulties for apartment blocks: neighbours’ approval, access to finance and bureaucratic hurdles. However, the solutions exist and the benefits could be significant, especially for charging electric cars locally, affordably and sustainably.
In terms of electricity generation, the data show that Romania saw a decrease in coal and hydrocarbon generation, while nuclear and hydro sources remained constant. Progress in renewable energy is slow and large projects risk remaining unfinalised without a coherent and integrated approach.
In a pan-European energy market, where prices are aligned across countries, Romanian consumers should have easy access to renewable energy through commercial incentives and adequate infrastructure. Storage at grid, distributor or consumer level is a necessary solution for the efficient integration of renewables, Mr Diaconu said.
The conference „Energy Day at Green Energy Expo & Romenvirotec” was organized by Energynomics, with the support of our partners Elektra Renewable Support, LONGi, SolaX Power and with the involvement of HENRO, COGEN România, CIGRE România and FEL România.