Author: George HACERIAN, Research Analyst, Green eDIH
As climate change becomes increasingly evident, Romania is strengthening its efforts to enhance resilience and transition towards a more sustainable future. The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIESC) 2025-2030 and the Energy Strategy 2025-2035 set clear directions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing green energy, and improving energy security. Compared to other European Union member states, Romania occupies a distinct position, possessing significant natural resources for renewable energy, while also facing economic and technological challenges that must be overcome.
Romania’s Climate Goals for 2025-2030
For the upcoming period, Romania has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, committing to a 78% reduction by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. A key component of this transition is increasing the share of renewable energy to at least 34% of total energy consumption by 2030, with a focus on expanding wind and solar energy capacities. Another critical aspect is the efficient management of water resources, essential in the face of increasing extreme climate events such as droughts and floods. In the transport sector, significant steps are being taken to increase the number of electric vehicles and modernize public transport infrastructure.
Compared to the previous National Plan for 2021-2030, the updated version for 2025-2030 includes more decisive and well-defined measures for phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy system. One of the most significant changes is the increase in the CO₂ emissions reduction target from 55% to 78% by 2030, demonstrating Romania’s ambition to align with the EU climate objectives. While the 2021 plan outlined a gradual reduction in coal usage, without a strict timeline for closing fossil fuel-based power plants, the new strategy accelerates this process, setting clear deadlines for eliminating coal from the energy mix. Instead, Romania aims to develop a renewable energy-based mix, particularly wind and solar power, while improving energy storage infrastructure to better manage the variability of renewable production.
Another key element of the new strategy is the use of hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, to support the decarbonization of industry and transport. While in 2021, this technology was mainly seen as a future possibility, the updated plan includes concrete investments in infrastructure for producing and distributing hydrogen, with plans to use it in heavy industry and public transport. Additionally, PNIESC 2025-2030 focuses on modernizing electricity distribution networks, digitalizing the energy system, and creating a clearer legislative framework to attract private investments in green energy projects. Overall, the new plan reflects a more mature and pragmatic approach, adapted to current requirements and technological advancements in the energy sector.
CO₂ Emissions and Romania’s Competitive Advantage
Romania holds a significant competitive advantage in terms of CO₂ emissions per capita, which are considerably lower than the EU average. With an average of 3.8 metric tons of CO₂ per capita, Romania emits significantly less than Germany (8.5 t), Poland (7.5 t), or the Netherlands (8.1 t). Countries such as Sweden or Portugal have even lower emissions, but they have benefited from early investments in green infrastructure and advanced technologies. Romania is undergoing a rapid modernization process, with substantial investments in offshore wind farms and large-scale solar power plants.
A frequently overlooked aspect in climate policy debates is that CO₂ emissions statistics are often reported in absolute values, which favors large and well-developed economies that can invest massively in green technologies while remaining among the world’s largest polluters. Romania, despite being one of the smaller economies in the EU, has managed to maintain a low per capita emissions level, demonstrating a relatively high efficiency of its economy in terms of resource consumption and environmental impact. However, this aspect is not sufficiently acknowledged in international debates, where the focus is often placed exclusively on reducing total emissions, without considering structural differences between states.
Romania’s Energy Security
Beyond emission reduction measures, Romania is also working on strengthening its energy security. The Energy Strategy 2025-2035 emphasizes diversifying energy sources and strengthening regional partnerships, including supporting Moldova in achieving energy independence. This effort is part of a broader strategy to increase market stability and reduce dependency on fossil fuel imports. Romania is also in the process of expanding energy interconnections with other European countries, which will facilitate energy exchanges and enhance grid resilience.
Romania’s ambitious plans include expanding offshore wind capacities to 7.3 GW by 2040, positioning the country among the regional leaders in renewable energy production. Hydropower remains a key pillar of the national energy system, while energy storage technologies are becoming a priority to ensure grid stability. Additionally, Romania is modernizing its electricity infrastructure to accommodate an increasing volume of renewable energy.
Romania is in a fast-growing position in sustainability, demonstrating a balance between economic development and environmental protection. While some EU states benefited from early investments in green technologies, Romania is catching up through efficient measures and strategic investments. With clear policies and a future-oriented vision, Romania is strengthening its position within the EU as a key player in the transition towards a green and sustainable economy.
Green eDIH’s Contribution to Sustainability
At Green eDIH, we believe that digitalization and sustainability go hand in hand with the measures outlined in PNIESC 2025-2030 and the Energy Strategy 2025-2035. Our mission is to support local companies in adopting energy-efficient digital technologies, fostering innovation and resource optimization.
Through strategic partnerships and support for entrepreneurs, Green eDIH contributes to the development of a sustainable digital ecosystem, offering solutions that reduce environmental impact and improve operational efficiency. With the support of a dynamic business environment and coherent national policies, Romania is well-positioned to continue this transition and become a regional model for sustainable development.
Green eDIH is a partner of European and international organizations, developing innovative projects under the Horizon Europe program, aligning with European objectives for digital and energy transition. In this context, in December 2024, the “AID4SME: Enabling SMEs to develop AI and DATA solutions through the support of a Community of Practice and low-TRL and high-TRL playgrounds” project was launched. Green eDIH is part of an international consortium supporting SMEs in developing AI and Data Analytics solutions to optimize resources on a large scale. The project, funded by HaDEA and coordinated by KU Leuven, facilitates the adoption of these technologies by companies in sectors with significant impact on Green Deal objectives.
The official launch of AID4SME took place in Leuven, Belgium, on December 5-6, 2024. The event brought together international partners, consolidating the collaboration strategy and priorities for the next three years. The presence of HaDEA representative Elena Angiolini highlighted the agency’s role in supporting digital innovation initiatives under Horizon Europe.
By participating in these initiatives, Green eDIH actively contributes to developing sustainable digital technologies, accelerating Romania’s green and digital transition. Thanks to a dynamic business environment and well-structured national policies, Romania continues to strengthen its status as a regional model in sustainable development.
