Massive global capital flows into data centers and AI infrastructure are reshaping energy policy across Europe, and Romania must act quickly if it wants to secure a share of this investment wave, stated Andrew Buglass, Honorary Consul of Romania in Surrey and Kent.

“If you are serious about making government pay attention, the way that usually happens is you dangle a big check. If you say foreign direct investment into your country is going to be a large number of billions, you’ve got their attention,” Buglass said at the “International Approach London” conference, organized by Energynomics in London.

According to Buglass, governments must ensure 24/7 access to reliable, green electricity and this is a major challenge given that most renewable generation capacities are intermittent. Romania, which is widely regarded as energy independent and rich in renewable potential, faces a structural question: how to integrate intermittent sources into a stable supply framework capable of supporting hyperscale infrastructure? The solution lies in accelerating long-duration energy storage. Technologies range from batteries to compressed air, gravity storage and pumped hydro, depending on geographic suitability. Several governments have already moved in this direction, launching competitive tenders for storage capacity to stabilize grids amid rising demand from AI and data centers.

Beyond grid resilience, Buglass highlighted the importance of strategic zoning and regulatory clarity. The UK has designated AI priority zones and introduced fast-track permitting for nationally significant projects, creating clearer signals for investors. Similar policy instruments could help Romania deploy infrastructure more rationally and reduce approval timelines. Romania’s geopolitical position in Eastern Europe, access to skilled labor and existing energy capacity are competitive advantages, yet the country competes with multiple jurisdictions seeking to host large-scale data centers. Since digital infrastructure will not be duplicated in every market, speed is essential.

The conference “International Approach London” was organized by Energynomics, with the support of the Embassy of Romania to the UK and the British Embassy in Romania, together with our partners: AJ BRAND, Electrica, Monsson, MyEnerji, Nofar Energy, Waldevar.