Romania has a rare opportunity to combine energy security, decarbonization, and economic development, but to do so, it needs decisive action, infrastructure, coherent public policies, and better utilization of its own resources. This was the message conveyed by Cristina Prună, Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Chamber of Deputies’ Committee on Industry and Services, at the Energy Strategy Summit 2026, organized by Energynomics.
In her remarks, Cristina Prună emphasized that the energy transition can no longer be viewed as a strictly technical issue. Discussions about installed capacity, grids, pipelines, or megawatts are now directly linked to security, economic competitiveness, and resilience.
https://youtu.be/2r9FH4TimyU
“Electricity is becoming the central energy resource of the modern economy,” noted Cristina Prună, as geopolitical tensions—including those in the Middle East—are once again bringing to the forefront the vulnerability of supply chains and the risks associated with dependence on unstable regions.
Diversification and less bureaucracy
According to Cristina Prună, Romania must strengthen and diversify its energy production mix. There is no single solution for the energy transition, but rather a combination of sources, domestic capacity, transmission and distribution infrastructure, storage, and smart resource use.
She noted the existence of several renewable energy and storage projects currently under construction, but drew attention to the need to reduce bureaucracy. Legislative proposals aimed at simplifying and accelerating authorization procedures prior to project commencement are currently under consideration in Parliament.
Cristina Prună also mentioned the bottlenecks that arise when new capacity is brought online. In this regard, ANRE must take stronger action to simplify procedures and collaborate with Transelectrica and other relevant stakeholders in the sector.
A major issue remains the financing of grid investments. The upcoming European Grids Package could provide some answers, but Romania must treat renewables not as a mere box to be checked, but as a strategic necessity.
Nuclear energy: a pillar of long-term stability and security
Cristina Prună noted that, after a long wait, there are now clearer timelines for Romania’s nuclear projects: the refurbishment of Reactor 1 at Cernavodă and the construction of Reactors 3 and 4. These investments are being carried out by a state-owned company, which entails a greater responsibility to deliver the projects “on time and on budget.” Romania’s partnerships with Canadian and American partners can help advance these strategic projects.
In his view, nuclear energy remains an essential component of Romania’s energy future, thanks to its stable production, low emissions, and contribution to long-term energy security.
Industrial advantage based on the Black Sea gas
A central focus of the presentation was the role of natural gas, particularly future production from the Black Sea. With the start of production at Neptun Deep, estimated for 2027, Romania could enter a new phase in its energy sector, with the potential to double its gas production and strengthen its regional role.
The key question, Cristina Prună emphasized, is what Romania will do with this advantage. Gas should not merely be burned or exported as a raw material, but used to generate added value in the Romanian economy. “The real challenge is to use it for higher-value applications in the Romanian economy, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical industries,” the MP stated.
She pointed out that Romanian gas can support value chains, investments, exports, and well-paying jobs. Romanian agriculture also needs this resource, including for fertilizer production.
Tax incentives for the further utilization of natural gas
Cristina Prună referred to the bill she introduced this year, with cross-party support, to encourage the more efficient use of natural gas in Romanian industry. The bill provides for tax incentives over a five-year period and was recently adopted by the Senate, after which it entered the legislative process in the Chamber of Deputies.
In her view, this is the difference between a country that merely extracts resources and one that manages to transform them into economic development. Romania risks missing a historic opportunity if it limits itself to exporting raw materials or the immediate consumption of gas.
Through smart public policies, Black Sea gas can become a major industrial advantage, with an impact on the competitiveness of the Romanian economy.
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.