Romania Embraces 'Efficiency First' for Renewable Energy Savings

In Romania, the conversation around energy is rapidly evolving, moving beyond simply adopting new technologies to embracing a smarter, more fundamental approach. The principle of 'Efficiency First,' as championed by experts like Andrei Bejan from Veolia Romania, represents a paradigm shift that resonates deeply with our national interest in both environmental sustainability and economic prudence.

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We have this 'Efficiency First' principle. What does that mean? Very briefly, that the cleanest and cheapest energy is the energy we do not consume.

Bejan's explanation, delivered at the 'Energy Forward by Adevărul' event, underscores a crucial point often overlooked: the most effective energy solution is often the one that avoids consumption altogether. This resonates with a practical, resource-conscious mindset. Instead of immediately jumping to solar panels or heat pumps for an inefficient building, the 'Efficiency First' approach mandates a thorough energy audit. This means identifying and addressing issues like poor insulation or wasteful habits first. The logic is undeniable: reducing energy demand through efficiency measures directly cuts costs and emissions, making any subsequent investment in renewables more impactful and cost-effective.

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Thus, when we approach a project, we first look at how we can streamline and how we can reduce current consumption without making major investments.

What makes this principle particularly relevant for Romania is its potential to unlock significant savings for households and industries alike. We are a nation that understands the value of careful resource management. By prioritizing efficiency, we can reduce the burden on our energy infrastructure, lower utility bills for citizens, and contribute meaningfully to our climate goals without necessarily requiring massive upfront investments. This approach empowers consumers and businesses to take control of their energy consumption and costs, fostering a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Romania.

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For example, if I have an existing building that is not thermally insulated and has very high energy consumers, first, before proposing a heat pump or a photovoltaic system, it is useful to insulate it, to work on consumption habits.

While international coverage might focus on the technological marvels of renewable energy, the 'Efficiency First' principle highlights a more grounded, accessible, and ultimately more impactful strategy. It speaks to a local understanding that true progress lies not just in innovation, but in intelligent application and the elimination of waste. This is a conversation that deserves to be at the forefront of our national energy policy, ensuring that Romania not only embraces renewables but does so in the most economically and environmentally sensible way possible.

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Because we know very well, in the heating sector, every extra degree set on the thermostat can mean up to 7% more energy consumption and, implicitly, costs and CO2 emissions.