A new revised code of good practice for renewable energy is an important step to show the need to accelerate investment in the sector. A news item on the Energy Industry Review website explains latest developments. Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Deputy Director-General DG Energy at the European Commission stated: “Romania needs to set more ambitious national targets and accelerate the development and commissioning of new energy capacities from renewable sources. The current review of the National Energy and Climate Plans is the perfect opportunity for this. The Commission encourages Romania to review its contribution to be in line with the EU’s increased 2030 renewable energy target and to put in place policies and measures that are sufficient to achieve this revised national target.”
New Code of Good Practice for Renewable Energy in Romania
The second edition of the ‘Code of Good Practice for Renewable Energy in Romania’ is a joint project of the Romanian Wind Energy Association (RWEA) and the Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association (RPIA) with the participation of DG ENER, the Romanian Ministry of Energy, the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE), Transelectrica, SolarPower Europe, WindEurope, Federation of Associations of Energy Utility Companies (ACUE), European Investment Bank (EIB), EBRD, National Bank of Romania, Energy Policy Group, DLA Piper and many other experts in energy, technology, communication, legislation, and regulations.
This comprehensive guide for the renewable industry is endorsed by key industry players at local and international level and includes market analyses, interviews, opinions, and case studies, showing the need to accelerate investment in the sector.
The first code of good practice was launched in 2021 and it was full of useful information regarding the status of the renewable market, national & European legislation, permitting process and available funding. It was intended to guide investors in the process of installing wind and solar parks in Romania, from permits and the relationship with the community, to grid connection and repowering. Also, to send a proposal for collaboration to the public authorities, suggesting ways to integrate European ambitions in Romania’s national plans, for the general benefit of the economy and population. Last but not least, it was aimed at encouraging the development of related industries and attracting new players to the national production and service chain.
As a member of the EU, Romania must align itself with the bloc’s effort to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Yet, the level of ambition remains low, as the expected-to-be-updated national target will still be below the natural potential of the country.
The current revision of the National Energy and Climate Plans offers a proper avenue to set more ambitious national targets and accelerate the development and commissioning of new renewable energy capacity.
The statement provided by Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Deputy Director-General DG Energy regarding the code of good practice for renewable energy shows that Romania’s share of renewable energy to contribute to the EU’s 2030 renewable energy target requires more ambition. It also offers an overview of the clean energy transition and the key role that renewable energy will play in the future in Romania and the whole of the European Union.
“Romania needs to set more ambitious national targets and accelerate the development and commissioning of new energy capacities from renewable sources. The current review of the National Energy and Climate Plans is the perfect opportunity for this. The Commission encourages Romania to review its contribution to be in line with the EU’s increased 2030 renewable energy target and to put in place policies and measures that are sufficient to achieve this revised national target,” Mechthild Wörsdörfer underlined.
During the launch event several topics of interest – including legislation modifications, grid connection process, PPAs, CfDs & other funding, role of storage & hydrogen, recycling, and circular economy within the renewable sector, have been discussed.
“Romania is currently in the midst of an energy revolution, and we stand among the nations with an ambitious decarbonization agenda. Presently, 14% of our energy is sourced from coal, but by 2026, that figure is projected to drop to a mere 0.3%. In this transformative journey, we must confront various challenges, including the impact on employment, as evidenced by my conversations with miners in Valea Jiului,” Romanian Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja said.
“Yet, this transition to cleaner energy sources also ushers in a wave of opportunities that we, both in the public and private sectors, must seize collectively. The Ministry of Energy shoulders a significant responsibility in ensuring the prudent utilization of available funds. I personally oversee the progress of contract signing for Investment 1 of the NRRP, and we’ve taken measures to ensure transparency in this process, maintaining a publicly accessible list that chronicles the status of applications. Together, we are charting a course towards a greener and more sustainable future,” he added.
The Code is a comprehensive document that provides an up-to-date perspective on the energy sector in the national and regional context, on the development of wind and solar projects, and not least on sustainable financing opportunities and best practices. ANRE President George Niculescu reiterated the Authority’s openness to support investments in the renewable energy sector, but also stressed that, as ANRE President, he puts consumers’ interests first. “Legislation should set a threshold of installed power for prosumers’ electricity production capacities, according to their consumption, as there are more and more cases of Romanians installing photovoltaic panels on roofs with a capacity much higher than the consumption of their homes. (…) I have encouraged and continue to believe in the role of prosumers as an energy efficiency measure. I still believe that, if we want to reduce our utility bills, we must resort to the installation of photovoltaic panels by household consumers,” the ANRE president added.
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Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 