The third panel of the Energy Day Brasov conference, held on 7 February, was dedicated to Local Info Days and the COALition project and included presentations of innovative approaches to energy storage, sustainable development and collaborative strategies for the transition to clean energy.
Similar issues related to the impact of renewables during the energy transition were presented by CERTH, which described the situation in Greece. Among the key technologies envisaged in the Greek National Energy and Climate Plan are hydro-energy storage, batteries and hydrogen, and the targets are very ambitious. However, advanced technological solutions are needed to accelerate progress in the energy sector, and natural gas will continue to play an important role as a transition fuel.
The speakers in this session were:
- Maria Alina Ardelean, Development Director, REPOM – Keynote presentation on COALition and energy transition strategies
- Panagiotis Grammelis, Director of Research, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) – Perspectives on CERTH’s role in the development of innovative energy technologies
- Chrysovalantis Ketikidis, Senior Research Associate, CERTH/CPERI – Overview of the COALition project and main conclusions
- Kosyo Stoychev, PhD, University of Sofia “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Department of Regional Geography and Policy – Results of a Joint European Research Strategy
- Dr. Cristian-Dragoș Dumitru, Associate Professor, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș – Use of Organic Rankine Cycle for solar energy storage and utilisation
- Codruța Togan, Public Manager, Mures County Council – Climate neutrality and the role of Mures County in the COALition project
- Andrei Ceclan, Energy Consultant, Co-Founder Servelect – Strengthening regional innovation ecosystems for the energy transition
The discussions highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, technological progress and financing mechanisms in the transition towards a more resilient and decentralised energy system.
Workshops and technical sessions
On 8 February, three technical workshops gave participants hands-on knowledge about energy storage solutions and financing strategies:
- Innovative technologies for storing and converting solar energy – Organised by UMFST “George Emil Palade” from Târgu Mureș, this workshop addressed thermal energy storage using materials such as water and sand.
- Financial models for energy storage investments – Organised by TDP Partners, this workshop explored investment models, financing options and business strategies.
- Commercial Operation and Financing of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – Organised by EY International, Banca Transilvania and REPOM.
Local Info Days was organised under the aegis of COALition, a European initiative dedicated to energy transition and innovation in regions undergoing structural transformation. The session enjoyed the partnership with Mures County Council, which plays a key role in supporting regional energy policies, and REPOM, a leading economic operator in the renewable energy sector, active in facilitating the transition to green energy and the development of regional energy hubs.
This year, the Brasov Energy Day has consolidated its status as a reference forum for the Romanian energy industry, with the 13th edition bringing together industry leaders, decision makers, researchers and innovators to discuss the future of renewable energy and energy storage solutions in Romania.