Romania is positioning itself as the most attractive energy hub in Central and Eastern Europe, with an installed solar capacity of nearly 4,000 MW and a rapidly expanding storage infrastructure, said Gabriel Andronache, vice president of the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE).
“I believe Romania is playing its role to the fullest and is the most attractive country in Central and Eastern Europe. We have major projects, we have construction permits issued for approximately 7,500 MW, and we hope that as many as possible will subsequently obtain commercial operating licenses,” said Andronache at the opening of the Energy Strategy Summit 2026, organized by Energynomics.
One of the most significant indicators of the transformation of the Romanian energy market is the explosive growth of the prosumer segment. As of March 31, they totaled over 322,000 consumption sites, with an installed capacity of over 3,700 MW. Furthermore, approximately 91,000 consumption sites already have storage systems, accumulating between 850 and 900 MW in batteries.
ANRE has issued construction permits for approximately 7,500 MW, and the authority is closely monitoring the pace at which commercial licenses are being obtained, a necessary condition for these capacities to become dispatchable.
Andronache drew attention to an increasingly visible systemic imbalance, given that during periods of solar overproduction, energy market prices drop to zero euros/MWh and Romania exports massive amounts of power, while evening peak demand triggers sharp price spikes. The long-term solution involves substantial investments in transmission and distribution networks, accelerating smart metering programs funded by the Modernization Fund and other European sources, and the active involvement of end consumers.
In this regard, the ANRE official mentioned the possibility for consumers without generation capacity to install storage batteries, taking advantage of dynamic tariffs to charge during periods of low prices and consume from their own storage during peak hours. Such a model would reduce pressure on the system and help stabilize prices.
Regarding natural gas, in the medium term, the Neptune Deep project represents “a gold mine” for national energy security, Andronache noted. Once it reaches maximum production capacity, approximately one-third of the gas produced will be used in the energy sector, directly lowering electricity prices.
The strategy proposed by ANRE revolves around four priorities: increasing production capacity, developing networks and expanding smart metering, reducing energy prices, and improving the bankability of renewable energy projects. However, although the projects are technically viable, fewer than two out of ten manage to become bankable, which blocks access to financing and delays implementation, Andronache added.
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.