Interview: What’s next for Romania? Interview with Roxana Caliminte

Roxana Căliminte is the Strategic Advisor to the President of the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). She served as Deputy Secretary General at Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) from 2017 to 2024, where she led efforts on gas markets, hydrogen integration, and energy security. GIE represents 70 European gas infrastructure operators, including gas pipelines, storage facilities, and LNG regasification terminals across 26 countries. Prior to GIE, Roxana worked at Transgaz, Romania’s gas TSO, and in the Romanian Parliament. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business (German) from the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, with international exchange studies, and has completed executive training at INSEAD and Oxford. Roxana is also a guest speaker at ASE’s Energy Markets MBA in Bucharest.

Throughout the interview, Roxana Căliminte provides an enriching overview of the national, regional, and international energy scenario, exploring recent figures and future expectations, challenges, and opportunities.

How would you describe Romania’s energy landscape and energy mix?

Romania’s energy landscape is defined by a diverse mix of natural gas, coal, hydropower, nuclear, and growing renewable sources like wind and solar. This diversity provides resilience against external volatility and positions Romania as a key player in Europe’s energy transition. In 2022, renewable energy accounted for 24.1% of gross final energy consumption, with 43.7% coming from electricity. The actual Romania Energy Strategy for 2025-2035 aims to further expand green energy, targeting a 44% renewable share by 2035 and 76% by 2050.

As Romania phases out coal—still 14% of the energy mix in 2022—there’s a heightened focus on modernising infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and expanding renewable capacity. Energy storage solutions, including battery systems and hydrogen storage, are integral to balancing renewable energy production with grid demands. Initiatives like green hydrogen development, CO₂ storage, and exploring offshore wind potential are central to this strategy. Notable progress includes the Fântânele-Cogealac Wind Farm, Europe’s largest onshore wind farm, with a 600 MW capacity with 240 wind turbines.

Romania’s greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 77% since 1990, far exceeding the EU average of 31%. This achievement reflects a transition from coal to cleaner sources like natural gas and renewables, driven by adherence to strict EU regulations. However, challenges remain. Energy imports now account for 54% of primary energy, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to energy security and the green transition.
Romania’s path forward is rooted in modernisation and innovation, with milestones like phasing out coal by 2032 under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Its renewable potential and strategic position solidify Romania as a key player in achieving the EU’s climate goals while exemplifying the balance between energy security and sustainable development.

Picture Source: Vecteezy.com

What are the most potential energy sources? How can they be leveraged at the national and European level?

Romania’s energy potential is built on a rich and diverse set of resources, positioning the country as a key player in the regional energy market. The year 2025 is expected to be a pivotal milestone, marked by a surge in energy investments and the commissioning of new production units. Romania’s energy sector has seen landmark achievements, such as the commissioning of Unit 1 at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant in 1996, followed by Unit 2 in 2007. Between 2009 and 2014, Romania experienced its first wave of renewable energy investments, with a second wave beginning in 2022, where prosumers—individuals and businesses producing their own renewable energy—are playing a central role in the energy transition. The number of prosumers increased sevenfold between 2022 and 2024, further driving the shift towards renewable energy.

Nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of Romania’s energy strategy, with the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant currently accounting for around 20% of the country’s installed capacity. Plans to add two more reactors and refurbish Unit 1 by 2030 will further strengthen Romania’s energy security and support Europe’s decarbonisation efforts.

Romania is also tapping into its natural gas reserves in the Black Sea through the Neptun Deep project, which is expected to begin production by 2027. This project, with an investment of up to €4 billion, aims to produce over 100 billion cubic meters of gas—roughly 30 times Romania’s annual natural gas demand—enough to supply 4.3 million households. This positions Romania as a key natural gas provider for Southeastern Europe.
Renewable energy, particularly wind, solar, and offshore wind, holds significant untapped potential. Romania currently has 3 GW of installed wind capacity and plans to add 1.4 GW over the next five years. Offshore wind in the Black Sea is a particularly promising area, with a potential capacity of up to 76 GW. Current projects are underway to develop the first 500 MW offshore wind farms, marking a significant step towards harnessing this resource. Solar energy, supported by programs such as Casa Verde Fotovoltaice, is also growing rapidly, with a target of 7 GW by 2030.

The increase in prosumers is further accelerating Romania’s transition to renewable energy, contributing to energy independence and sustainability. Expanding battery storage systems and integrating hydrogen storage technologies will be pivotal in ensuring reliability as Romania scales its renewable energy output. At the European level, Romania’s energy resources are well-aligned with the EU’s goals for energy diversification and climate neutrality. Collaborative efforts on projects like the European Hydrogen Backbone and cross-border infrastructure initiatives will strengthen Romania’s contribution to a resilient, interconnected European energy market.

Regarding the European Union’s impact on Romania’s energy sector, what key initiatives from the last legislative term have influenced your country’s energy transition and security?

The EU Green Deal has been a game changer, not only for Romania but for the entire European Union. It set the course for the future of energy and climate, with climate neutrality enshrined in law, making “business as usual” no longer an option. Europe became the first and only continent to set ambitious targets for reducing emissions and transitioning to clean energy. All initiatives stemming from the Green Deal were designed to align sectors with these targets, ensuring broad progress.

The Fit for 55 package significantly impacted Romania by pushing for a reduction in emissions and a shift towards renewable energy. It laid the groundwork for Romania to modernise its energy infrastructure, increase renewable energy deployment, and improve energy efficiency. Romania’s policies and investments closely align with these targets, particularly focusing on renewable energy and boosting efficiency across sectors.

REPowerEU accelerated Romania’s energy transition and security, providing substantial funding to diversify energy supplies, enhance storage capacity, and improve interconnectivity with neighbouring countries. This initiative helped Romania reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports, while strengthening energy resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges.

The EU funds allocated to Romania, through initiatives like the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Modernisation Fund, and Just Transition Programme, are pivotal in supporting the country’s energy shift. Romania has access to approximately €17.6 billion for energy-related projects, with €1.6 billion from the NRRP specifically allocated for renewable energy development. Additionally, Romania secured €1.095 billion from the Modernisation Fund to support renewable electricity generation and energy network modernization. The Just Transition Programme further enhances Romania’s strategy, offering funds to help transition away from fossil fuels while ensuring support for communities affected by the shift.

However, none of these initiatives would have had the desired impact without clear leadership and commitment at the EU level. The Green Deal has set an ambitious framework, but its success relies heavily on collaboration across traditional industry boundaries. For instance, the wind industry has joined forces with gas infrastructure operators, and the hydrogen industry has worked closely with gas producers. This cross-sectorial cooperation is pivotal in building an integrated energy system that aligns with the EU’s goals for a sustainable, secure, and competitive energy future. Romania stands as a key player in this effort, contributing through its unique energy resources and strategic initiatives.

How do you see Romanian energy’s status in the regulatory and geopolitical landscape of the European Union in terms of challenges and opportunities?

Romania occupies a strategic position in the European Union’s energy landscape, playing a dual role as both a producer and transit country. This unique position presents significant opportunities as well as complex challenges. Geopolitically, Romania is crucial to regional energy security due to its proximity to Ukraine and its efforts to reduce dependence on external gas suppliers. Projects like the BRUA pipeline enhance connectivity between Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Austria, reinforcing Romania’s contribution to a diversified European gas supply network. Similarly, initiatives like the Black Sea Corridor aim to connect renewable energy sources to European markets, further solidifying Romania’s role as a forward-thinking energy player.

Romania is also well-positioned to establish itself as a hydrogen hub by leveraging its abundant energy resources. The country’s solar energy potential, as well as onshore and offshore wind capacity—particularly in the Black Sea, which holds the potential for up to 76 GW—positions Romania as a key player in the green hydrogen sector. Additionally, as a massive producer of natural gas, Romania has the ability to produce blue hydrogen, enhancing its energy diversification. Moreover, Romania’s depleted gas fields offer substantial potential for CO₂ storage, positioning the country as a leader in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The integration of hydrogen storage systems will further enhance Romania’s capacity to store and utilize hydrogen efficiently, supporting both national and European decarbonization goals.
On the regulatory front, Romania is steadily aligning with EU standards while addressing local challenges. Efforts to streamline permitting processes for renewable projects reflect the country’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment. One such example is the Mireasa Hybrid Park, integrating solar, wind, and battery storage, which marks an important step in balancing production with grid demands and advancing the energy transition.

Despite these significant opportunities, challenges remain. Romania faces the need for accelerated investment, the development of a skilled workforce to support transitioning sectors, and the fostering of public-private collaboration. While these challenges are substantial, they can be seen as stepping stones toward innovation and long-term success, enabling Romania to thrive in its energy transition.

How do you think the European Commission’s new objectives for the next mandate will impact Romania’s national direction?

The European Commission’s new objectives set a bold course for the next mandate, and their impact on Romania will be transformative. The proposed 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 will challenge us to accelerate decarbonisation across all sectors. This means Romania will need to reassess its national climate goals, ensuring they align with the EU’s heightened ambitions. It’s an opportunity to not only meet these targets but also to lead in areas where we have natural advantages, such as renewable energy and hydrogen production.

The Clean Industrial Deal and the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act will be game-changers for Romania’s industries. They offer a framework to modernise industrial processes, attract investments in clean technologies, and create high-quality jobs. These initiatives will support Romania’s transition to a greener economy while maintaining competitiveness within the EU market.

Completing the Energy Union is another critical objective that directly aligns with Romania’s energy priorities. Reducing energy costs for households and businesses, coupled with strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure, will enhance energy security and affordability. This is particularly important as Romania seeks to balance its role as a regional energy provider with its decarbonisation goals.

The focus on hydrogen and critical raw materials presents a unique opportunity for Romania. With its potential for green and blue hydrogen production and its access to critical raw materials, Romania can position itself as a key player in Europe’s clean energy value chains. The expansion of aggregate demand mechanisms to include hydrogen and raw materials will provide the momentum needed to scale these industries.
Lastly, the EU’s continued leadership in international climate negotiations underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration. Romania has the potential to contribute significantly, leveraging its renewable energy capacity, industrial transformation, and commitment to the Green Deal. These objectives are not just about compliance; they are about seizing the chance to innovate, compete, and lead in the energy transition.

What are your thoughts on the impact the Trump Administration may have on the European Union’s strategy and energy landscape?

The Trump administration may influence global energy dynamics, but Romania’s strategic position and strong partnerships ensure it remains aligned with its allies. As a trusted U.S. partner and an active EU member, Romania is well-positioned to bridge transatlantic priorities with European energy ambitions.
Romania’s collaboration with the U.S. has bolstered its energy security, particularly through nuclear modernization, regional interconnectivity, and joint investments in advanced technologies. At the same time, Romania’s alignment with EU policies, including the European Green Deal, allows it to pursue energy and climate goals in areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen development, and supply chain diversification.
While global shifts in energy policy may create uncertainties, Romania’s approach is rooted in resilience and adaptability. By investing in infrastructure, expanding renewable capacity, and fostering regional cooperation, Romania is preparing for a future where strategic alignment with its allies strengthens both economic and energy security.

Romania’s role is clear: to act as a reliable partner, regional leader, and driver of innovation in Europe’s energy transition. With strong transatlantic ties and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Romania is well-positioned not only to navigate global shifts but also to thrive, advancing both national and shared strategic goals.
Trump had directly opposed the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) initiative. What are the possible effects of Trump’s position on the European Union?

If opposition to initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) arises, it may lead to global adjustments, but it’s still early to determine any concrete effects on EU relations or strategies moving forward. Since the IRA primarily focuses on domestic policy to attract green technology investments, the EU has already responded by strengthening its own initiatives, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan, to maintain its competitiveness.
Ultimately, the impact will depend on the specific policies pursued under the Trump administration. For the EU, the focus will likely remain on advancing its energy transition and competitiveness goals. As for Romania, we will continue to align with both European and transatlantic partners, ensuring that we remain integrated into the broader effort to drive innovation and secure energy resilience.

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