Expert Days CCIFER: Romania, a Pillar of Energy Stability in the Region

By RomaniaPozitiva Team | June 16, 2025 | Green Corner, Economy, Romania, International Romania

On June 10, 2025, in Bucharest, the French Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Romania (CCIFER) organized the second edition of the event “Expert Days: The Net Zero Economy – From Public Policies to Corporate Solutions,” under the High Patronage of the Prime Minister of Romania. Hosted by OMV Petrom, the event brought together representatives of the Romanian Government, private sector leaders, and industry experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition in Romania within the European context.

“Romania is at a turning point. On the one hand, we need to accelerate the path toward a carbon-neutral economy. On the other, we must continue to ensure energy security, economic stability, and industrial competitiveness,” said Nicolas RICHARD, President of CCIFER, in his opening remarks.

The event highlighted Romania’s strategic role in regional energy security, based on a balanced energy mix and investments in innovative technologies.
Florin SPĂTARU, State Counsellor in the Prime Minister’s Office, stressed that such investments are essential to support long-term economic growth and competitiveness. Cristian BUȘOI, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy, emphasized Romania’s potential to become a stabilizing factor for energy in the region, thanks to a balanced energy mix supported by strategic state investments in hydrogen, nuclear energy, battery storage, biogas, and carbon capture technologies.

The first panel discussion, moderated by Adriana RECORD, Executive Director of CCIFER, focused on the industry’s challenges in securing a sustainable energy mix, underlining the need to modernize infrastructure and the importance of long-term financing through public-private partnerships.

Nicolas RICHARD, President of CCIFER and CEO of Engie Romania, emphasized the role of natural gas in the energy transition—a key resource for system flexibility and balance: “Romania has a competitive edge through its storage capacity and long-standing energy expertise.”

Irina MUNTEANU, General Director of Veolia Romania Integrated Solutions, pointed out that public-private partnerships are an effective mechanism for financing long-term investments—a “win-win-win” solution that eases pressure on public budgets, encourages innovation, and ensures project quality.

Other key topics included the need for legislative and fiscal predictability, digitalization, and innovation as essential factors in increasing economic competitiveness and ensuring an efficient energy transition.

Frank NEEL, Member of the Executive Board for Gas & Power at OMV Petrom, stated: “Romania could become the largest natural gas producer in the European Union. These resources will contribute to the country’s economic stability and regional energy security.”

“Romania has a real opportunity to play a strategic role in the European energy transition—through vision, investment, and collaboration,” concluded Adriana RECORD, Executive Director of CCIFER.

The second roundtable, moderated by Victor MANOLIU, Head of Strategy and Market Intelligence at Engie Romania, addressed industry challenges in achieving a sustainable energy mix, focusing on the experiences and plans of large energy consumers. Discussions included strategies for energy efficiency, investments in green technologies, and adaptation to market and regulatory requirements.

Speakers included:

• Mihai BANU, Technical Director at Ambro Suceava, Rossmann Group Romania, who highlighted carbon footprint reduction through efficient natural gas cogeneration and plans to produce biogas.

• Adela BRADU, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Director at Romcim, who spoke about the company’s efforts to increase renewable energy consumption, including through the development of its own wind project, and the need to modernize national energy infrastructure to ensure continuity.

• Cătălin COSTINIUC, General Manager at Smurfit Westrock, who emphasized the importance of energy efficiency across the supply chain, including the use of greener transportation methods.

The final panel discussion, moderated by Diana BLĂNARU, Senior Strategy & Market Intelligence Analyst at Engie Romania, positioned biomethane as a key vector for achieving EU climate and energy goals. With the advantage of being easily integrated into existing infrastructure, the discussion focused on current legislative and financial barriers, as well as government initiatives to create a favourable development framework for this sector.

Speakers included:

• Alexandru COJOCARU, Services Director at Schneider Electric Romania, who explained how digitalization and smart solutions can enhance economic competitiveness and support emissions monitoring and ESG reporting.

• Raluca COVRIG, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the Energy Employers’ Federation, who highlighted Romania’s potential to rank 6th in the EU for biomethane production.

• Alexandru VASILESCU, Director of the Glina Wastewater Treatment Plant, Veolia Romania, who presented the plant as a model of energy and thermal efficiency, demonstrating biomethane’s key role in the circular economy.

Expert Days provided a platform for constructive dialogue between authorities, companies, and energy experts. Romania has natural resources, technological expertise, and access to European funding—elements that can position it as a regional leader in the energy transition. However, to turn these advantages into real outcomes, several factors are essential:

• legislative and fiscal stability and predictability

• sustained investments and effective public-private partnerships

• acceleration of digitalization and technological innovation

• infrastructure development and coherent policies

By taking these steps, Romania can play a decisive role in ensuring regional energy security and building a competitive, sustainable, and net-zero economy.

The event was organized with the support of partners: Engie, OMV Petrom, Ambro, Reciclad’OR, Romcim, Schneider Electric Romania, Smurfit Westrock, Veolia Romania.

About CCIFER
Founded in 1996, the French Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Romania (CCIFER) is one of the most representative business organizations in the country, bringing together a vibrant community that supports Romania’s development and competitiveness. With an international presence as part of a network of 120 Chambers in 95 countries, CCIFER acts as a partner in the sustainable transformation journey of communities, companies, and Romania itself.
CCIFER provides services to 600 members—French, international, and Romanian companies, NGOs, and universities. Most member companies hold key positions across various sectors of the national economy. The Chamber’s activity focuses on four strategic areas: promoting new business opportunities, facilitating public-private dialogue, attracting investment through tailored services, and developing talent through education and continuous training.

Photo credit: Mihai Cerveneanu