Romania remains committed to its ambitious goal of doubling electricity production by 2032 and strengthening its position as a key energy exporter in the region, according to Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja. He emphasized the importance of a strategic energy transition that leverages the country’s diverse energy resources while ensuring long-term stability and sustainability.
Currently, Romania generates 7,117 MW of electricity from a mix of fossil fuels, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, biomass, and energy storage. Energy storage is becoming increasingly critical, now surpassing biomass in installed capacity. The country expects to exceed 1,000 MWh of installed storage capacity this year, supported by an €80 million investment from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and an additional €300 million from the Modernization Fund.
Coal continues to be a key component of Romania’s energy mix, ranking second after natural gas, with over 1,505 MW of capacity. Minister Burduja assured that coal-fired plants will remain operational until sufficient replacement capacity is in place. In the short term, gas-fired power plants will take over, benefiting from increased domestic gas production from offshore projects like Neptun Deep and onshore fields such as Caragele. Over time, gas-fired plants will transition to nuclear power, including small modular reactors (SMRs).
Romania’s renewable energy sector is also expanding, with wind power contributing 844 MW and solar energy adding 245 MW, excluding prosumers. To ensure a stable energy supply even in unfavorable weather conditions, the Government is investing in a balanced mix of wind, solar, hydro, and storage projects.
To support the planned expansion, Romania has launched its most ambitious energy investment program in 35 years. The plan includes over 10,000 MW of new solar and wind capacity, 3,500 MW of gas-fired capacity, 2,200 MW of nuclear energy, at least 500 MW from completing existing hydropower plants, and 1,000 MW from new pumped-storage hydropower projects. Battery storage capacity will also be expanded to 1,000 MW.
Minister Burduja underscored the importance of utilizing all available energy resources to enhance energy security, reduce consumer costs, and boost Romania’s industrial competitiveness. With these initiatives, Romania aims to achieve energy independence and emerge as a leading energy force in the region by 2032.
