The number of electric cars in Romania reached 30,000 units this year, compared to 6,000 three years ago, and by 2030 it could reach 200,000 units. Charging them will require a network of at least 60,000 electric charging points.

“Electrification is a future perspective that will also gain from the ground that natural gas now has,” said Claudia Griech, General Manager of E.ON Energie Romania, at the 9th edition of the Energy Strategy Summit, an event organized by Energynomics.

In the context of the green transition, energy suppliers can play a substantial role both in informing consumers and in delivering greener electricity and heat supply solutions. In this context, E.ON Energie Romania has already started promoting energy efficiency solutions since 2018, because the green transition means first of all energy efficiency and then alternative solutions.

Energy providers can raise awareness of green solutions their customers can use to reduce electricity consumption and protect the environment. For example, in the residential area, gas heating can reduce gas consumption by up to 30%, and the use of photovoltaic energy in tandem with heat pumps will allow consumers to be provided with green energy.

“It is logical and obvious that any energy company has a responsibility in the area of ​​energy transition and we as a supplier have assumed the strategic directions of sustainability and digitization”, added Griech.

The company has delivered, from 2018 to 2021, more than 120 residential photovoltaic panel projects. Last year their number was 250, amid growing market demand.

Photovoltaic energy produced by residential plants becomes most profitable when it is also consumed by the producer, so the use of this energy in combination with heat pumps will probably soon spread. This type of system will gain ground at the expense of gas plants.

“Last year was the first time that the request came from the market. It was the same on the residential side, where there was not necessarily a concern for energy efficiency, given that, we must admit, energy was not a cost that meant much in the family budget. The concern arose from the crisis and last year’s price volatility,” said Griech.

According to Griech, energy suppliers are “tired” after two years in which customer bill support schemes have been changed many times by the authorities. Many times, these changes came “overnight” and were made at the expense of the providers and their power to finance these schemes. Including now, the state has delays in payment for about half a year. But these support schemes must be reconsidered together with the authorities.

“Our prayer is that no more changes are made overnight. If we think about doing things again overnight, we will cause our own crisis,” Griech 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.