Renewable Energy in Romania

Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe, with a significant potential for renewable energy. With an area of over 238,000 km², the country is rich in natural resources such as sun, wind, water, and biomass, which can be harnessed to produce green electricity. In this article, we will take a look at the current state of renewable energy in Romania, as well as the future prospects for this growing sector.

Wind Energy: A Major Renewable Energy Source in Romania

Wind energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources in Romania. The country has considerable wind potential, estimated at around 14,000 MW. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), Romania produced around 12% of its electricity from wind sources in 2019, with an installed capacity of around 3,000 MW. This places Romania third in the European Union in terms of installed wind capacity, behind Germany and Spain.

Romania has several large-scale wind farms, such as the Fantanele-Cogealac wind farm located in the southeast of the country, which is one of the largest wind farms in Europe with an installed capacity of 600 MW. The Dobrogea wind farm, located in eastern Romania, is also one of the country’s largest, with an installed capacity of 400 MW.

Solar Energy: Significant Potential Still Underutilized

Romania also has significant potential for solar energy, with an average annual sunshine of 1,000 to 1,300 kWh/m². However, the installed capacity for solar energy remains relatively low, with only 1,300 MW in 2020.

The Romanian government has plans to develop solar energy production further in the coming years. Indeed, Romania has set a target of increasing the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption to 30.7% by 2030, up from 24% in 2020. To achieve this goal, the country plans to develop solar energy production, particularly in the southern and southwestern regions of the country, which have higher levels of sunshine.

Hydropower: A Traditional Renewable Energy Source in Romania

Hydropower is a traditional renewable energy source in Romania. The country has many rivers and mountains, which allow for the production of hydropower. In 2020, the installed capacity for hydropower was around 6,300 MW, or around 32% of the total installed capacity.

Romania has several large hydropower plants, such as the Iron Gates hydropower plant located on the Danube, which is one of the largest hydropower plants in Europe, with an installed capacity of 2,100 MW.

Biomass: A Rapidly Growing Renewable Energy Source

Romania also has significant potential for biomass, particularly in the agriculture and forestry sectors. In 2020, the installed capacity for biomass was around 700 MW, or around 3.5% of the total installed capacity.

However, the Romanian government plans to develop biomass energy production further in the coming years. Romania has significant resources in agricultural and forestry waste, which can be used to produce renewable electricity and heat.

Future Prospects for Renewable Energy in Romania

The Romanian government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption to 30.7% by 2030. To achieve this goal, Romania plans to further develop its renewable energy production capacities, particularly in the areas of wind and solar energy.

The country also plans to implement incentive measures to encourage investment in renewable energy. For example, Romania has introduced a feed-in tariff system for renewable energy producers, which guarantees a fixed purchase price for electricity produced from renewable sources.

In addition, Romania plans to develop electricity transport and distribution networks to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national electricity grid. The country also plans to strengthen interconnections with neighboring countries to facilitate the exchange of renewable electricity.

Finally, Romania plans to implement support measures for innovation and research in renewable energy, to encourage the development of new technologies and solutions for renewable energy production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Romania has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly in the areas of wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass. The country has already made significant progress in developing these renewable energy sources, but there is still much to be done to achieve the ambitious targets set by the government for renewable energy.

The development of renewable energy in Romania represents a significant opportunity for the country, both economically and environmentally. Indeed, the development of renewable energy can contribute to job creation, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the improvement of the country’s energy security.

To achieve these objectives, it will be necessary to implement incentive policies and measures to support innovation and research, as well as to strengthen electricity transport and distribution infrastructure. With strong political will and the mobilization of all stakeholders, Romania can become a leader in renewable energy in Europe and around the world.