Energy Security and Regional Leadership: Romania Charts the Course at Energy Week Black Sea 2025

Romania’s role as a regional energy leader and its efforts toward a sustainable energy future took centre stage during the opening keynotes of Energy Week Black Sea 2025. From ambitious renewable targets to enhanced regional cooperation, speakers outlined a shared vision for addressing the dual challenges of energy security and climate change.

Romania’s Balanced Transition Strategy

Cristian-Silviu Busoi, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy of Romania, highlighted the nation’s unique position as a driver of both energy security and decarbonisation. Romania’s balanced approach leverages its vast natural gas resources, nuclear energy advancements, and renewable potential.

“The transition to green energy must be affordable and just,” stated Busoi. He emphasised the importance of strategic investments, including modern gas capacities, hydropower plants, and offshore wind. The State Secretary also pointed to Romania’s pioneering steps in small modular reactors (SMRs), developed in partnership with the United States, as a model for sustainable nuclear expansion across Europe.

Romania’s commitment extends to storage infrastructure, aiming for 1,000 MW of battery storage to stabilise its growing renewable grid. “We cannot achieve our 2030 goals without modernising our transmission and distribution networks,” Busoi noted, urging collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

Strengthening Black Sea Energy Security

Ambassador Giles Matthew Portman commended Romania’s leadership in regional energy security and diversification of supply. He underscored the importance of Romania’s partnerships within the Black Sea region, such as the Green Corridor submarine cable linking Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary, and Romania.

Portman also drew parallels between the UK and Romania, noting shared priorities like offshore wind, low-carbon hydrogen, and battery manufacturing. “The UK is ready to work with Romania to make the Black Sea region a net exporter of clean energy to Europe,” he affirmed.

Private Sector’s Role in a Stable Energy Market

Miguel Jiménez, CEO of AJ Brand, shared the private sector’s perspective, highlighting Romania’s attractiveness to investors and the need for stabilisation beyond the current market boom. AJ Brand’s 1.3 GW of ongoing projects in Romania exemplifies growing investor confidence.

“The grid’s stability and storage capacity are key to reducing costs for the final customer,” Jiménez noted. He advocated for proactive investment in transmission infrastructure and advanced storage solutions to maintain momentum and meet growing energy demands.

Partnerships for a Resilient Future

The opening session reinforced the importance of partnerships—between countries, industries, and stakeholders—in navigating the complexities of energy security and sustainability. Romania’s strategic positioning, combined with robust support from the EU, promises to make the Black Sea region a linchpin in Europe’s clean energy future.