Romania continues to base its energy transition plans on the massive increase in fossil fuel consumption, through new thermal power plant projects, fossil gas distribution networks, but also new exploitation capacities, which will lead to an increase in carbon emissions, as well as of dependence on fossil gases, warn several environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in a letter with recommendations sent to the Ministry of Energy.

According to the document, signed by the 2Celsius Association and the organizations WWF-Romania, Declic and Bankwatch, Romania’s Energy Strategy 2025 – 2035 proposes a low renewable energy target of 36% until 2030, according to Agerpres.

“I drew attention to the fact that Romania continues to base its transition plans on the massive increase in fossil fuel consumption, through new thermal power plant projects, fossil gas distribution networks, but also new exploitation capacities, in this case Neptun Deep, which will leads to increased carbon emissions, climate impact, as well as Romania’s dependence on fossil gases.Organizations call for reductions in planned fossil gas-based capacity and more ambition for energy from renewable sources, efforts to reduce gas consumption along with investments in energy efficiency. The strategy proposes a low renewable energy target of 36% by 2030”, notes the quoted source.

In this context, environmental organizations recall the European Commission’s recommendations regarding the new renewable energy target of at least 41% by 2030.

“Romania still has many opportunities to introduce renewable energy in the heating-cooling sector, transport, but also in electricity production, if part of the planned gas capacity is abandoned and more emphasis is placed on the modernization of networks and storage”, the letter states.

Environmental activists requested the introduction of a sub-objective for the acceleration of renewable energy projects and inter-institutional collaboration. In parallel, they emphasized the need to abandon destructive hydropower investments, for which the very strategy reminds that Romania has reached and exceeded its sustainability limit.

Practically, the NGOs rather support the promotion of hydropower re-engineering and pumping storage, in low-impact locations.

“Although the strategy integrates storage, digitalization of networks and consumer involvement, for some of these initiatives it does not propose concrete targets or necessary legislative measures – a simple example would be the adoption of smart meters. In the context of the energy transition, a different governance of energy and the designation of a competent authorities, as well as the adoption of a Climate Law to ensure the integration of energy and climate changes”, support the organizations in the field.

Also, the representatives of the environmental entities requested specific clarifications and measures regarding the field of heating and cooling, including the role of renewable resources and the share of fossil gas in the future.

Among their recommendations are: diversifying the energy mix with heat pumps and solar energy and adopting renewable energy technologies at the community level and reducing the role of solid biomass, along with financial schemes for vulnerable communities dependent on firewood.

“Although more emphasis is placed on prosumers, with the target of 2.5 GW installed in 2030, the energy strategy does not propose clear targets for the creation of energy communities and the reduction of energy poverty by 2030. Therefore, among the recommendations are the establishment of indicators concrete, but also financial incentives, such as energy efficiency programs and the change of heat sources, for the protection of vulnerable consumers. Environmental organizations asked the authorities that energy subsidies be directed exclusively to vulnerable consumers and that the process be transparent, in order to to ensure equitable access to energy”, appreciate the signatories of the letter sent to the Ministry of Energy.

In addition, the associations reiterated the need for a more transparent and participatory approach in the regulatory processes, in order to successfully implement the proposed energy strategy and to ensure the commitment of the public and stakeholders.