The problems that Complexul Energetic Oltenia (CEO) currently has are caused by the fact that the merger of the three power plants with the mines was accomplished without restructuring, said the Minister of Energy Victor Grigorescu.

“Today, the energy sector gives us many reasons of concern, but we should not make a ranking. Besides the fall of the oil price, another concern is the situation of the Complex Energetic Oltenia, which has 15,000 employees and where restructuring is needed,” said the Minister, quoted by Agerpres.

“I do not advocate for mergers and acquisitions without a prior restructuring. The lack of previous restructuring made us hide the real problems. Now we come to ask ourselves if the entire sector makes sense. We have to do restructuring where they need to be done and where we need to see what type of energy mix is necessary”, said the Minister.

He wanted to emphasize also, that there are differences between the situations of the two coal powered energy complexes, even if the core issues are similar.

Addressing the subject of the Energy Strategy as well, the Minister said: “When we speak of the energy mix, we need a long-term vision. The energy strategy should provide clarity, regarding where state must invest. The strategy should look more like a business plan than a public policy document. The strategy is performed by the Ministry of Energy and belongs to Romania. There are a few hundreds of specialists who are in dialogue with us on this issue”. The minister promised once again that the strategy will be completed this fall.