“The successive energy crises of recent years have necessitated a recalibration of priorities at the European level, and Romania is positioning itself to capitalize on this window of opportunity through a balanced energy mix and large-scale strategic projects,” said Cristian Bușoi, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.
At the opening of the Energy Strategy Summit 2026, organized by Energynomics, he noted that the European Union is undergoing a paradigm shift in which, alongside the goal of decarbonization – which remains a strategic and irreversible priority – two complementary dimensions are becoming increasingly prominent: energy security – amplified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the escalation of tensions in the Middle East – and economic competitiveness.
“The crises of recent years have taught us that, in order to ensure a continuous supply of safe and affordable energy for both consumers and industry, we need a balanced energy mix and a resilient energy system. And I believe this is a lesson that the European Union is increasingly beginning to learn,” Bușoi stated.
According to Bușoi, an energy transition is needed that is “better adapted to needs, less enthusiastic, but more solid,” one that also includes conventional sources capable of coexisting with investments in renewables.
Thus, nuclear energy and natural gas are the main levers through which Romania can play a regional role. The Neptun Deep project, currently underway, and the increase in onshore production place Romania in a unique position as a provider of energy security, both for its neighbors in the region and for the EU as a whole.
Regarding the nuclear sector, Bușoi said there is still “much work to be done” before the goal of bringing nuclear reactors 3 and 4 online is achieved. However, although Romania remains firmly committed to American technology for small modular reactors, the relationship with its current partner presents obstacles that require a decision “in the coming weeks and months.”
“Through the Neptun Deep project and by increasing onshore production, Romania can be a source of energy security for both the region and the entire European Union. At some point, we must move from the ‘under construction’ phase to a phase of readiness to actually deliver all these projects,” said Bușoi.
Bușoi expressed confidence that the PNRR would be finalized by the August 31 deadline, noting that recent efforts are creating the conditions for the full absorption of grants. Added to this are the more than 12 billion euros from the Modernization Fund, a resource that Romania must leverage by accelerating the pace of projects currently underway.
Energy Strategy Summit 2026 is organised 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 Partners Aqua Carpatica, Alexandrion. Digital Partner Imsol. Mobility Partner BlackCab.