To support economic transformation while achieving sustainable development goals, the European Union encourages the adoption of integrated, long-term national strategies that align each member state with global climate ambitions. These strategies are fundamental for maintaining a clear trajectory toward a sustainable future and essential for meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement: limiting global temperature increases to below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, with an aim of keeping it under 1.5°C.
All signatories of the Paris Agreement have been invited to develop low-emission development strategies with goals extending to the mid-21st century. In this regard, the EU Governance Regulation on the Energy Union and Climate Action (EU/2018/1999) established a process requiring member states to prepare and revise these strategies every 10 years, in alignment with their National Integrated Plans for the 2021–2030 period.
National Context
For Romania, the National Integrated Plan for Energy and Climate Change (PNIESC), published by the European Commission in October 2024, provides a clear direction toward a green future, aligning with both EU ambitions and the specific needs of the local economy. Designed to support EU climate and sustainability goals, PNIESC outlines essential measures for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving energy efficiency, and expanding renewable energy use. Romania aims to achieve these objectives through modernizing its energy infrastructure and adopting advanced digital solutions to manage resources more efficiently and reduce the economy’s carbon footprint.
In this context, Romania is making significant strides in aligning with these objectives, notably through its accession process to the OECD initiated in 2022. Membership in the OECD introduces higher standards of transparency, governance, and sustainability, fostering a strategic and coordinated approach to national policy-making. This facilitates the integration of global climate commitments into domestic plans and policies, strengthening Romania’s international standing and creating a robust framework for sustainable development and long-term emissions reductions, as set out in the Paris Agreement and EU energy governance regulations.
The OECD report emphasizes the need for Romania to accelerate the pace of GHG emissions reduction to meet EU commitments. This challenge is particularly acute in high-energy consumption sectors, where transitioning to cleaner technologies requires substantial investment. In this context, PNIESC offers an integrated approach that combines green transition and digitalization, enabling Romania to contribute actively to international efforts to combat climate change while ensuring long-term economic competitiveness.
Strengthening Energy Security and Infrastructure
A primary goal of PNIESC is to enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on imports. Romania’s energy dependence exceeds 20%, making stability essential during periods of international market volatility. Through measures aimed at increasing domestic production and optimizing consumption, Romania seeks to ensure self-sufficiency and become a stable energy supplier in the region. Key initiatives include the BRUA project (Bulgaria-Romania-Hungary-Austria), which will grant Romania access to diverse gas sources and facilitate regional energy connections.
According to PNIESC, Romania has set clear objectives for reducing GHG emissions in sectors covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), targeting a 43.9% reduction by 2030. In non-ETS sectors, such as transport and construction, a 2% reduction is expected compared to 2005 levels. These measures are essential for meeting commitments under the European Green Deal and for creating a robust energy network less vulnerable to external risks. The BRUA project provides Romania with a gas transport capacity of 1.75 billion cubic meters annually to Southeastern Europe, contributing to regional energy security.
Transition to Renewable Energy and Carbon Emission Reductions
PNIESC aims for an accelerated transition to renewable energy, targeting 34% renewable energy in gross final consumption by 2030. This includes increasing wind and solar energy capacities, with plans for 4,300 MW in wind energy and approximately 3,100 MW in photovoltaic solar energy. The transport sector is set for significant transformation, aiming for 14% renewable energy by 2030, supported by measures promoting electric vehicles and biofuels. For heating and cooling, a 33% renewable energy contribution is anticipated, significantly reducing emissions and the carbon footprint.
PNIESC also envisions rigorous energy efficiency measures in buildings, including modern heating and cooling systems, efficient lighting, and other energy-saving equipment. In industry, digital technologies are employed for energy monitoring and optimization, allowing for demand-based consumption adjustments and minimizing losses. By 2030, over 80% of Romania’s public buildings are expected to be modernized to comply with EU energy efficiency standards. The digitalization of industrial processes and building modernization will bring significant benefits in terms of efficiency and emission reductions.
To meet these goals, Romania must improve its electricity grid infrastructure, facilitating the integration of intermittent energy sources like wind and solar. Real-time monitoring and digital control systems will ensure more efficient energy distribution and rapid adaptation to production and consumption fluctuations, ensuring stability and supply continuity. In 2023, Romania’s installed renewable energy capacity increased by 15%, with a long-term goal of achieving annual growth of up to 20%.
Digitalization Supporting the Energy Transition
Digitalization plays a central role in modernizing and improving the efficiency of the energy sector, supporting the transition to renewable sources and GHG emissions reduction. Integrating digital technologies enables better management of energy networks and facilitates the integration of renewable resources, contributing to balanced distribution and real-time monitoring of energy production and consumption. According to PNIESC, Romania plans to invest over €2 billion in developing digital infrastructure for the energy sector by 2030.
Key initiatives include adopting smart meters and advanced measurement infrastructure, which enable precise planning and efficient energy use. This contributes to reduced energy consumption and optimal resource management, supporting Romania’s commitments to combat climate change and achieve decarbonization targets.
Another significant aspect is energy system flexibility, ensured through the use of storage batteries and pumped hydroelectric plants. Romania aims to develop at least 1,200 MW of energy storage capacity by 2030 and approximately 2,000 MW by 2035. These technologies enhance network stability and support the integration of variable renewable resources like solar and wind energy.
Thus, digitalizing Romania’s energy infrastructure is crucial for the success of the energy transition, fostering innovation, emission reductions, and economic competitiveness, in line with EU sustainability objectives and the Paris Agreement.
Green eDIH's Role in the Digital and Green Transition
Green eDIH supports Romania’s sustainable transformation goals by providing companies and public institutions with the expertise necessary to accelerate the adoption of innovative digital and sustainability solutions. Through partnerships and collaboration, it facilitates access to European funding and attracts investments for sustainability projects, contributing to PNIESC objectives.
PNIESC reflects Romania’s commitment to a sustainable and digitalized energy transition, which not only supports EU objectives but also modernizes national infrastructure through innovative technologies. Collaborating with Green eDIH offers support to companies and institutions in implementing sustainable solutions and accelerating the transition to a green and digitalized economy.
