Sebastian Burduja, Minister of Energy:
“This is more than a document; it is a vision for a secure, prosperous, and clean energy future. It is a plan of smart investments, pragmatism, and mobilization of domestic resources, ensuring that Romania truly becomes a force in the region and beyond. By ourselves means development, jobs, a competitive economy, and a respected nation both at home and abroad.”

Today, November 21, 2024, the Romanian Government adopted the National Energy Strategy 2025-2035, with a perspective to 2050—the first such strategic document approved by the Government in 17 years. The strategy defines the development directions for the national energy sector, emphasizing security, affordability, and sustainability, positioning Romania as a regional leader. It establishes a development model ensuring economic competitiveness, national security, and consumer protection while meeting climate goals, in alignment with the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (INECP) submitted by Romania to the European Commission. It is a firm commitment to a modern energy sector capable of addressing global and regional challenges.

Sebastian Burduja’s Declaration:
“After 17 years, the national energy sector has taken a significant step forward: the Government has approved the new Romanian Energy Strategy 2025-2035, with a perspective to 2050. This is more than just a document—it is the vision for a secure, competitive, and clean energy future for tomorrow’s Romania. A plan of smart investments, pragmatism, and mobilization of domestic resources, ensuring that Romania truly becomes a force in the region and beyond. By ourselves means development, jobs, a competitive economy, and a respected nation both at home and abroad.

We find ourselves at a critical juncture, marked by major market fluctuations, geopolitical and security crises, and economic difficulties. Our response is ambitious: leveraging domestic resources and reducing imports, making massive investments in energy production capacities and the transport and distribution network, fostering local equipment production, digitalization, and cutting-edge technologies. All of this serves an energy sector that provides secure, affordable, and clean energy.

This is the declaration of a nation that refuses to remain dependent on others and instead commits to becoming a leader—for itself, the region, and a sustainable future. It’s time to transform our resources and intelligence into economic strength, security, and competitiveness. Romania is building a future where no Romanian will suffer from energy poverty, and no company will have to close its doors due to high energy costs.”

Key Directions of the National Energy Strategy:

1. Strengthening the foundation of Romania’s energy sector development
   Romania commits to protecting critical infrastructure, reducing import dependence by utilizing domestic resources, and digitalizing the sector. Energy security includes supporting the Republic of Moldova.
2. Ensuring the lowest possible prices for consumers
   This applies to both households and industries, preventing energy poverty and supporting economic competitiveness.
3. Maintaining leadership in greenhouse gas emissions reduction
   Romania balances security, affordable prices, and the green transition.

Romania faces global and regional pressures, including market fluctuations, climate change, and the effects of the war in Ukraine. The strategy offers solutions through investments in modern technologies, strengthening supply chains, digitalization, and innovation.

This document is the result of a year of intensive work by experts from the Ministry of Energy, alongside companies, public institutions, civil society, and members of the Honorary Energy Council. Unlike previous attempts, the strategy involved no external consultancy and incurred no additional public budget costs.

The National Energy Strategy outlines six clear development directions for the sector:

• Energy security;
• Clean energy;
• Energy efficiency;
• Affordability and economic competitiveness;
• Efficient markets;
• Innovation and digitalization.

These objectives are guided by clear principles, such as prioritizing supply security, developing the circular economy, and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By adopting this strategy, Romania demonstrates a strong commitment to a secure, affordable, and clean energy future. It is a crucial step in transforming the energy sector into a pillar of economic development and a factor of regional stability.

For further details, please consult the full document on the Government’s agenda: https://sgg.gov.ro/1/proiectele-de-acte-normative-care-ar-putea-fi-incluse-in-sedinta-guvernului-romaniei-din-21-11-2024/

Photo Source: Facebook / Sebastian Burduja