Recent statistics from the National Institute for Statistics (INS) reveal a marked decline in Romania’s coal production, reflecting ongoing shifts in the energy landscape. In the first two months of 2026, net coal production reached 244,400 tons of oil equivalent, which is a substantial decrease of 26.1% or 86,400 tons compared to the same timeframe in 2025.
Interestingly, during this January–February period, coal imports surged to 20,700 tons of oil equivalent, representing an increase of 16,800 tons, or an impressive 430.8%, when juxtaposed with the previous year. This shift highlights a growing reliance on imported coal as domestic production wanes.
The trajectory of both coal production and imports in Romania is anticipated to continue its downward trend through 2027. Projections from the National Strategy and Forecasting Commission (CNSP) suggest that coal production will decrease by approximately 11.4%, while imports are expected to fall by 24.5%. This trend underscores the broader transition towards new energy generation capacities that are beginning to come online.
Looking ahead, estimates indicate that coal production will decline further, with projections of 1.718 million tons of oil equivalent for 2025 (a decrease of 10.5%), followed by 1.555 million for 2026 (down by 9.5%) and reaching 1.432 million for 2027 (a reduction of 7.9%). These figures point towards a long-term structural decline in Romania’s dependence on coal as part of its energy mix.
The ongoing transformation within Romania’s energy sector not only reflects national policy objectives but also aligns with regional trends towards sustainable energy sources and reduced carbon emissions. As new technologies and generation methods emerge, stakeholders across the energy spectrum will need to adapt to these evolving dynamics.
