2020 vision

By 2020, 24 pct of energy produced in Romania must come from renewable sources, as decreed by a European union directive. Leading figures in the renewable energy industry in Romania met 
at the Eurobuild CEE conference in Bucharest to discuss how the country was measuring up to the task. However, the feedback on its performance so far was somewhat mixed

The conference began with a short introductory speech by Viorel Badea, 
a senator of the Romania parliament. This was fitting, as the country’s progress in the renewable energy field currently lies mainly in the hands of the politicians – a state of affairs that induces a feeling of weary resignation among many members of the industry. Actually, it was very decent of Mr Badea to come, as politicians often duck out of such events; and the speech he gave was one that was realistic about the issues facing the renewable energy sector in Romania. From the audience, however, there was not much optimism to be discerned. Nevertheless, those who remain dedicated to pushing renewable energy in Romania forward exhibit a vigorous fighting spirit – and this was clearly in evidence at the conference.

The first panel on policy was made up of key figures in the sector, namely Silvia Vlăsceanu of the industry and services commission in the Chamber of Deputies, Dan Preoţescu of Transelectrica and Alexandru Sandulescu from the Ministry of the Economy. They were joined by Mihai Mares, country manager of law firm Garrigues, and by moderator Alexandru-Valeriu Binig of Deloitte Consultanta S.R.L. The fundamental message of the panel was that the government needs to do more to push through the necessary legislation to enable investors to go ahead with more confidence and less difficulty. The next three panels covered financing, technical matters and the environment, and included representatives from across the spectrum of professions active in renewable energy – including a representative from Garrigues in each panel, lending Spanish experience and know-how to the proceedings. Many specifics and details were discussed and debated, but it was the environmental panel that provided the participants with the bigger picture – and it is that must not be lost sight of. Renewable energy, with wind energy currently regarded as the main such resource of the future, is not only good for the planet, but it is important for a country’s energy security and independence – and Romania is no exception. Hope for the future was embodied by the young mayor of Avrig, 
Arnold Klingeis, who has made it his town’s mission to be renewable energy independent by 2030. The plans he put forward, which in this case did not feature wind energy but rather focused on solar power, included 
a project for a business park housing small and medium-sized businesses entirely powered by solar energy. As is often the case in this field, the ambition is admirable, but the means are more uncertain. Conference attendees later departed into the evening with much to think about.

Richard Stephens