In order to face new systemic risks and integrate renewables safely, Romania needs to strengthen the partnership between transmission and distribution operators, Mihai Păun, member of the Supervisory Board of Transelectrica, told at the 11th Energy Strategy Summit, the flagship event of Energynomics. Data-sharing, joint planning and interconnection are essential elements for a modern, resilient grid ready for the energy transition.
“Data exchange between transmission operators and distribution operators is very important – at national, regional and European level,” said Mihai Păun, at a time when the risks of blackouts and congestion are becoming more and more frequent in Europe. According to him, close technical co-operation is what actually enables the functioning of an integrated system capable of absorbing the accelerated dynamics of renewables.
Transelectrica actively participates in the European energy planning mechanisms and this activity is based on a constant technical dialogue with distribution operators. “This is what all ENTSO-E members are doing in 32 countries at the moment,” emphasised Păun, referring to the coordination model adopted at European level.
The relevance of these collaborations has become even more evident in the context of recent incidents in Europe. Two blackouts – on the Iberian Peninsula and in North Macedonia – have shown how vulnerable systems can become when they lack synchronisation, transparency and interoperability. “We need to know what causes a European-wide blackout. Data is being collected, we are talking about an impressive amount of information to allow a complete, relevant analysis,” said Păun.
Internally, Transelectrica has significantly accelerated the infrastructure modernisation process. “The national company has managed to exceed 60 per cent of the total networks rehabilitated and consolidated in a two-year period – compared to what has been achieved in the last 20 years.” But, warns the Transelectrica official, this momentum must also be sustained at the distribution level, and this cannot be achieved without a common operational and information framework.
Another positive example is the co-operation with the Republic of Moldova and Moldelectrica, a partner that recently became an observer member of ENTSO-E. “We are connecting with Moldova and Ukraine not only through technology, but also through regional solidarity,” emphasised Mihai Păun. Romania, through Transelectrica, plays an active role in supporting its neighbours to the east, both technically and institutionally.
At the same time, Păun reiterated the importance of cross-border connections and investments in interconnection networks. “The works are advanced for the Suceava-Balti connection, and we are not hiding from you that it is a priority,” he said. These connections are essential not only for energy exports but also for stabilising the internal market through flexibility and redundancy.
Finally, Păun emphasised that the future of energy will not be built through isolated decisions, but through functional partnerships between all actors in the system. “It is a process that requires 10-year planning, coordination and mutual trust. If we want a more flexible, smarter and secure grid, we need to start with genuine co-operation between transmission and distribution.”
2025 Energy Strategy Summit was organised by Energynomics, with the support of our partners: AJ Brand, Elektra Renewable Support, ABB, Adrem Asset Management, Alive Capital, BCR, DEKRA, Distribuție Energie Electrică Romania, E-Infra, Eaton Electric, Electrica Furnizare, EnergoBit, Enery, Enevo Group, Enexus, European Investment Bank, Evryo, Exim Banca Romaneasca, Delgaz Grid, Genesis Biopartner, Huawei, ING Bank, Jantzen Renewables, Keno Energy, Leader Team, LONGi, Nano Energies, Prime Batteries Technology, Procesio, Procredit Bank, Relians, Renomia, Romgaz, Schneider Electric, script.ai, Sermatec, smartPulse, Solar Today, SolaX, Think Blu Solution, Voltika, Wiren, YEO, AIployees, Aqua Carpatica, Alexandrion, Carbon Tool, Imsol.