On January 19, Romania’s electricity system encountered unprecedented demand levels, peaking at 9,235 MW, the highest in five years. This surge was largely driven by a cold spell that saw average temperatures drop four degrees below seasonal norms, exerting considerable operational pressure on the national grid.
Despite these challenges, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan assured that the system remained stable. The country has been heavily reliant on coal-fired power plants, which operated at maximum capacity during this period. Meanwhile, wind generation contributed minimally due to unfavorable weather conditions. Romania’s approach involved a carefully managed production mix to meet the heightened electricity demands effectively.
The Ministry of Energy has indicated that the cold wave is expected to persist until January 21. Officials express confidence in the sector’s preparedness, noting that electricity and gas production, along with transmission and distribution networks, are functioning in a coordinated manner to handle the prolonged low temperatures.
In addition to electricity demands, gas consumption has also surged, averaging 14.5% higher than during the same timeframe last year. However, storage levels remain robust; Romania holds reserves approximately 10% above the EU average. Current estimates suggest around 170 million cubic meters of gas are available, surpassing last year’s volumes and providing necessary flexibility for potential spikes in consumption amid ongoing cold weather.
In light of the extreme conditions, Minister Ivan convened the National Energy Command on January 19 at the National Energy Dispatcher headquarters to monitor system stability in real time. Concurrently, Romania’s National Meteorological Administration issued new weather alerts including Yellow Code warnings for frost and dangerously low temperatures across the country until January 21. Broader advisories for severe cold conditions, strong winds, mixed precipitation, and sleet have also been extended through January 22.
