Romania has the potential to become a regional energy hub and to transform its new natural gas resources into a driver of reindustrialization. Achieving this goal, however, depends on infrastructure investments, support for industrial consumers, and better coordination between energy, economic, and fiscal policies. This was the message conveyed by Antal Lóránt, senator and chairman of the Committee on Energy, Energy Infrastructure, and Mineral Resources in the Romanian Senate, at the Energy Strategy Summit 2026, organized by Energynomics.

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In his remarks, Antal Lóránt outlined the main legislative initiatives through which Parliament is seeking to support the energy sector and create conditions for Romania’s economic development.

Romania needs to double its natural gas storage capacity

A key message focused on the security of the natural gas supply. Romania currently has a storage capacity of approximately 3 billion cubic meters; however, according to Antal Lóránt, it would need nearly double that capacity. In this regard, a legislative initiative is currently before Parliament aimed at expediting the construction and development of natural gas storage capacities at the national level. The bill has already been debated in the Senate Energy Committee and is set to be voted on in plenary before going to the Chamber of Deputies.

Increasing storage capacity is important not only for the security of the energy system but also for strengthening Romania’s position in a regional context where natural gas remains a strategic resource.

Black Sea gas must generate added value in Romania

A second key message concerned the optimal utilization of natural gas, particularly in light of the start of production at the Neptun Deep field, estimated for 2027. Antal Lóránt pointed out that Romania will become a major producer of natural gas, and the strategic interest must be that this resource not be prioritized for export, but rather generate added value for the Romanian economy.

In this regard, Parliament has already adopted a legislative initiative aimed at facilitating investments in industrial platforms where natural gas consumption is required. The rationale behind this measure is directly linked to reindustrialization: gas produced in Romania must support local industries, jobs, investments, and competitiveness.

Export may remain an option, but only after the resource is used, first and foremost, for the development of industrial platforms in Romania.

Reindustrialization must be planned in collaboration with major energy consumers

Antal Lóránt pointed out that the discussion on energy must not stop at production. “I am one of the few politicians who, for several years now, have been saying that whenever we discuss electricity generation capacity or natural gas production capacity, it is extremely important to also consider consumers.” When Romania talks about new electricity or natural gas production capacity, it must also address consumers, particularly non-residential and industrial consumers.

According to the senator, a healthy economy is reflected in energy consumption, and Romania has seen a significant decline in industrial consumption in recent years. For this reason, public policies must support both existing industries and new investors who can create production capacity in Romania. “It is extremely important for the government to introduce very clear measures to support existing industries, including those that rely on natural gas. Looking ahead, it is important to have very clear programs in place to support investors—domestic investors first and foremost, but not exclusively.”

Reindustrialization requires clear investment programs, support measures for industrial consumers, and energy available at sustainable costs.

Economic development depends on energy

“To be competitive with what we produce at industrial sites in Romania, we need energy infrastructure, we need energy production, and, last but not least, we need energy that is financially sustainable.” Regarding energy infrastructure, Antal Lóránt emphasized that economic development cannot be sustained without networks capable of supporting industrial consumption. There are still regions and counties where significant investments in energy infrastructure are needed to unlock local economic potential. From this perspective, investments in distribution networks must be facilitated, including through legislative initiatives and dedicated government programs.

The senator also called for better coordination among institutions. The Ministry of Economy should have an industrial strategy aligned with the Ministry of Energy’s energy strategy, and the Ministry of Finance should contribute through tax incentives and support programs for various industrial sectors.

Energy Strategy Summit 2026 was organized by Energynomics, with the support of our partners: Elektra Renewable Support, 4P Renewables, ABB, Alive Capital, Atmoce, Baringa, BCR, Big Store, Capalo AI, CBRE Romania, Distribuție Energie Electrică România, Eastship, Distributie Oltenia parte din Evryo, Eaton Electric, Electrica Furnizare, Electroalfa, Electroprecizia, EnergoBit, Enery, Enexus, Eurowind, Evryo, Exim Banca Romaneasca, Hagag Energy, KStar, LONGi, MBK Power Energy, MET Romania Energy, Monsson Trading, Nextpower, OX2, Romgaz, Schraubram, Sigenergy, Softenerg WEBUS 4 ENERGY, Solar Today, Sunotec, TBEA, Think Blu Solution, Transelectrica, Waldevar Energy, WTW Romania. Coffee Break Partner Enerta. Lanyard Partner Monsson Operation. Beverage Partner Aqua Carpatica, Alexandrion. Digital Partner Imsol. Mobility Partner BlackCab.