Romanian PM calls for energy pact, serious investments to fix sector issues

Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that Romania's current energy sector challenges stem from a lack of strategic planning, delayed investments, and untimely decisions. He emphasized the need to move beyond crisis management and tackle the fundamental problems plaguing the system.

Speaking at a press conference, Bolojan proposed the formation of a political pact, an agreement intended to guide energy policy for years to come, ensuring continuity regardless of government changes. He outlined three key directions for improvement. First, increasing energy production by accelerating investments in the Iernut and Mintia power plants, which together could add over 1,500 MW of capacity.

Second, Bolojan stressed the importance of nuclear energy, referencing the Cernavodă plant's reliance on water flow. He called for the swift implementation of a project to increase water supply to Cernavodă from the Old Danube river, noting that feasibility studies and permits are already in place. He also mentioned the need to address the water supply issue before proceeding with plans for new reactor units at Cernavodă.

Third, the Prime Minister focused on boosting energy storage capabilities. He criticized past policies for not supporting storage capacity in parallel with the growth of solar and wind energy, which has led to grid imbalances. Bolojan advocated for redirecting funding schemes towards storage projects, expediting those already advanced, and implementing hybridization for hydroelectric power plants. He suggested Hidroelectrica could rapidly install approximately 1,500 MW of storage capacity within two years.

Bolojan also announced that mandate contracts for strategic energy companies will be revised to include investment targets as a key performance indicator, aiming to improve the overall effectiveness of the National Energy System.