Romania has the rare opportunity to capitalise on battery energy storage at a time when the technology has become competitive and affordable – a favourable context that few other markets have had in the past. In his speech at the 11th Energy Strategy Summit, the flagship event of Energynomics. Miguel Jimenez, CEO of AJ Brand, emphasised that, unlike other countries where storage solutions have been difficult to implement, Romania is now in a privileged position to make batteries a natural component of the national energy architecture.
“In other markets, storage integration has been neither easy nor cheap. Romania now has a real opportunity: the technologies are there, the costs are competitive, and the need for flexibility is growing,” explained Jimenez, one of the most experienced players in the Romanian EPC market, active here since 2010.
A second wave of energy transition
Looking back, Jimenez noted that Romania was a regional pioneer of the energy transition more than a decade ago, with the emergence of the first wind projects in Dobrogea. “It was a promising start. But after 2012, with the change of the green certificates regime, investments stagnated. Now, however, we are witnessing a second wave, much more mature and better anchored in market realities,” he said.
This new investment cycle brings with it a diversification of actors and projects. From Jimenez’s perspective, Romania is attracting more and more international developers, and interest in integrated projects – which include manufacturing, storage and smart solutions – is growing.
A coherent, infrastructure-led strategy
But the enthusiasm must be matched by a clear strategy, backed by serious investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure. “Without robust and interconnected grids, the risk of instability will increase as we add renewable capacity,” Jimenez warned. He also referred to the recent major blackout in Spain as a warning that a lack of investment in grids could cancel out progress in generation.
Romania, he emphasised, must take a proactive role in the region, especially in the context of Ukraine’s reconstruction. “It will require better interconnections, a flexible system that can support dynamic energy exports and imports.”
Storage and digitalization – drivers of competitiveness
Another central idea of his speech was the link between the stability of the energy system and economic attractiveness for industrial investors. “Clear rules respected by all players will mean stable prices, which is vital for big industry – from manufacturing to data centres. These are new consumers with high demands and ongoing needs for reliable and affordable energy.”
In this picture, battery energy storage becomes an essential piece: a buffer between the peaks of renewable generation and the real-time needs of consumers. Jimenez emphasised that Romania now has a window of opportunity, with affordable technologies, an expanding market and a legislative framework at a decisive moment of definition.
Mobility, security, mindset
Looking to the future, Jimenez also drew attention to the evolution of electric mobility, which will put pressure on grids, but will also open up new opportunities for the integration of renewables and storage. “Romania needs to increase both its green generation capacity and the capacity of its grids to absorb and redistribute this new wave of demand.”
In addition to the technical aspects, he also called for a change of mentality, both among consumers and institutions. “A culture of prosumerism, of energy communities, is clearly taking shape. We are already seeing PPAs and local partnerships that are shaping a more decentralised and participatory ecosystem.”
Miguel Jimenez’s conclusion was one of encouragement, but also a warning: “Romania has shown that it can. Now it needs to continue, with a clear strategy, rules that are respected and constant investment. It’s time to prepare for the future – not just technologically, but also culturally.”
2025 Energy Strategy Summit was organised by Energynomics, with the support of our partners: AJ Brand, Elektra Renewable Support, ABB, Adrem Asset Management, Alive Capital, BCR, DEKRA, Distribuție Energie Electrică Romania, E-Infra, Eaton Electric, Electrica Furnizare, EnergoBit, Enery, Enevo Group, Enexus, European Investment Bank, Evryo, Exim Banca Romaneasca, Delgaz Grid, Genesis Biopartner, Huawei, ING Bank, Jantzen Renewables, Keno Energy, Leader Team, LONGi, Nano Energies, Prime Batteries Technology, Procesio, Procredit Bank, Relians, Renomia, Romgaz, Schneider Electric, script.ai, Sermatec, smartPulse, Solar Today, SolaX, Think Blu Solution, Voltika, Wiren, YEO, AIployees, Aqua Carpatica, Alexandrion, Carbon Tool, Imsol.