More than 50 % of Romania’s total energy demand is covered by coal, gas and oil, with further 20 % covered by nuclear power. To help Romania increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway have set aside €8 million to the renewable energy programme in the country. Hydropower and geothermal power are priorities.
Long standing experience
Romania gets roughly 27% of its total energy production from renewable energy sources, mainly hydropower. To increase this share, funding is provided to the construction or refurbishment of three or several small scale hydropower plants (up to 10 MW).
Furthermore, the programme also supports the construction of one or more geothermal heat plants in areas where there already is a heat distribution system in place.
To strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange know-how, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) and The Icelandic National Energy Authority (OS) participate as donor programme partners. They have both long standing experience and expertise in their respective fields. NVE is the national centre of expertise for hydrology in Norway, and is also heavily involved in research and development. OS has been instrumental in the execution of the Icelandic government policy regarding the exploration and development of geothermal resources.
Seeking Romanian partners
NVE and OS have been actively involved in the development of the programme, and are committed to taking part of the implementation of it. To achieve this, partnerships between NVE, OS and Romanian entities are encouraged. Eligible partners for hydropower plant projects are Romanian public and private entities. Romanian public or private commercial entities and/or local administrative units/authorities are eligible partners for geothermal heat plant projects.
A matchmaking seminar and launch of the ‘Renewable energy’ programme takes place in Bucharest 26 November. The Icelandic Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir, will participate at the event.
Read more about this and other events on our events calendar.
Read more about the ‘renewable energy’ programme here.