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With fifteen years of experience in the Romanian energy sector, Alexandru Matei Fatu, managing director of CCE Romania, has played an active role in its transformation toward decarbonisation. The country is undergoing a rapidly accelerating shift from traditional CO₂‑based power generation to photovoltaics and other low‑carbon technologies. In this interview, Fatu discusses how the transition is reshaping existing energy structures, redefining approaches to generation, grid stability and sustainability, and highlights the key opportunities and challenges for solar energy in Romania.
What is your view on the current energy landscape in Romania?
Romania’s energy landscape has long been characterised by a diverse mix. Coal, natural gas, hydropower and nuclear power traditionally formed the foundation of the country’s electricity supply. In the early 2000s, Romania was a net exporter of electricity and played a key role as a regional energy hub in Southeast Europe.
When did this transformation begin?
With EU market integration and a gradual decline in domestic generation capacity, Romania became an electricity importer. However, this now appears to be changing. Through the transformation from CO₂‑based to CO₂‑neutral production, Romania is once again becoming a net exporter. Investments in photovoltaics and wind energy continue to grow.
What role does coal currently play in Romania’s energy mix?
The share of coal in electricity generation has fallen from around 30 percent at the beginning of the 2010s to about 15 percent in 2024. Wind and solar energy now provide roughly one‑fifth of national production. Hydropower remains an important pillar of the system, while nuclear energy continues to play a limited role in maintaining security of supply.
How would you describe the public’s attitude towards photovoltaic projects?
One factor that distinguishes Romania’s energy transition is the constructive attitude of local communities towards renewable energy projects. Romania, unlike some European neighbours, is seeing genuine openness and cooperation. Municipalities and local authorities recognise the benefits, from new, future‑proof jobs and improved infrastructure to higher tax revenues. Partnerships at the municipal level are an important part of our development success in Romania.
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What are the challenges for project developers?
In my view, the biggest obstacles are administrative complexity and limited grid capacity. Although the legal framework has improved in recent years, regional differences still exist in the permitting processes. Inconsistent regulations complicate the approval process and lead to delays.
What is the situation regarding grid connection points?
The availability of suitable grid connection points remains insufficient. However, grid connection and building permits can now be applied for simultaneously, which has already considerably shortened project development time. A capacity tendering system is planned to increase transparency and planning certainty from 2026. If implemented effectively, this could offer clear benefits for investors and project developers.
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Where do you see the strengths of your sector?
Certainly in our multidisciplinary experience and close collaboration with regulatory authorities and grid operators. We are also able to manage project financing without EU subsidies. We reliably secure projects with long‑term power purchase agreements, which are also supported by banks.
How do you see the next ten years developing?
By 2035, Romania’s energy landscape may have fundamentally transformed. Renewable energy sources are expected to dominate electricity generation, supported by storage solutions and digitally optimised grids. The participation of prosumers and energy communities will hopefully contribute to building a more decentralised and therefore more resilient system. Hybrid concepts that combine photovoltaics, battery storage and green hydrogen seem set to mark the next phase of innovation. We are already studying how integrated photovoltaic and hydrogen plants can advance decarbonisation and system flexibility.
Interview by Manfred Gorgus
