The rise in energy prices in recent years has highlighted the vulnerability of Romania and the European Union regarding dependence on fossil fuel imports. Analysts from the Romanian Economic Monitor (RoEM) emphasize that the transition to renewable energy sources can provide a viable solution to these challenges, contributing to increased energy autonomy and stabilizing prices.
“Accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources can represent a solution for both challenges,” states Balázs Markó, a researcher at RoEM-UBB FSEGA. The tripling of electricity prices from 45 euros/MWh in the 2019-2020 period to 136 euros/MWh in the 2021-2025 period underscores the need for an effective energy transition strategy.
In 2025, Romania imported approximately 5 billion euros more energy than it exported, indicating an increased dependence on external sources. This situation is exacerbated by geopolitical instability and volatility in energy markets, which can severely impact the national economy. In this context, the energy transition becomes a strategic priority, the experts cited point out.
The costs of renewable technologies have decreased significantly in recent years: photovoltaic modules have seen a reduction of approximately 90% from 2010 to 2024, while the costs of wind units have dropped by around 50%. These developments make renewable energy increasingly competitive compared to traditional energy sources.
In Romania, prices for photovoltaic energy following the 2025 auctions range between 35.77 and 45.2 euros/MWh, compared to estimates for gas-fired plants, which stand between 109 and 181 euros/MWh. This difference suggests that renewable sources can become the foundation of a sustainable and competitive energy strategy.
Additionally, experts from RoEM-UBB FSEGA emphasize the importance of developing energy infrastructure, including networks and storage capacities. The price of lithium batteries has decreased by approximately 85% during the same period, facilitating the development of energy storage solutions, which are essential for integrating intermittent sources.
“The energy transition does not eliminate all external dependencies and does not automatically guarantee lower final prices for all consumers,” concludes Levente Szász, the coordinator of the RoEM-UBB FSEGA team. Its impact depends on the level of investment in infrastructure and market structure. Therefore, it is essential for Romania to implement coherent policies that support the energy transition and reduce the risks associated with energy dependence.