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Romania is moving towards the creation of a transparent and functional guarantees of origin (GO) system aligned with EU requirements. Amendments to Government Emergency Ordinance 163/2022, introduced through GEO 59/2025 in November 2025, establish the legal foundation for issuing, transferring, and monitoring GOs within a structured national framework.
The revised legislation addresses long-standing regulatory gaps that have limited the development of a domestic GO market and constrained renewable energy financing structures, particularly long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs).
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Renewable deployment through PPAs and designated RES areas
The amendments require the Ministry of Energy and the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) to identify and remove barriers to long-term PPAs by 31 December 2026. The legislation explicitly prohibits discriminatory procedures or fees related to PPA arrangements. Both institutions must also monitor and report renewable energy volumes traded under PPAs, reflecting the growing importance of this contracting model in Romania.
In parallel, the framework mandates a national mapping exercise involving relevant ministries, transmission and distribution system operators, and local authorities. The objective is to identify onshore and offshore areas suitable for renewable energy source (RES) development, taking into account grid capacity, storage potential and Romania’s 2030 RES targets.
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Core principles governing guarantees of origin
The amended legislation confirms the fundamental characteristics of GOs in line with applicable EU rules. Each guarantee of origin corresponds to one MWh of renewable energy generated and remains valid for twelve months from the date of production. Unless cancelled earlier, GOs expire eighteen months after issuance.
For PPAs concluded from 1 December 2025, producers receiving support under existing schemes may transfer GOs until 31 December 2026. The framework also confirms that GOs linked to energy sold under PPAs may be transferred to the respective offtakers.
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Institutional roadmap and market opening
Romania obtained observer status within the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) in late November 2025. This status allows participation in the European Energy Certificate System (EECS) and AIB activities, without voting rights.
The amendments define a clear implementation timetable. By 31 March 2026, ANRE must prepare the studies required for GO-related secondary legislation. Within sixty days thereafter, the Ministry of Energy must publish an impact assessment on opening the GO trading market. By 1 June 2026, ANRE must establish a timeline for the gradual launch of a standardised, EU-recognised GO market, with full operation targeted for 1 January 2027. The final GO regulation must be issued by 30 September 2026.
Romania aims to achieve full AIB membership from 1 January 2027, coinciding with the full opening of the GO market. This will require alignment of domestic procedures, digital infrastructure and verification mechanisms with European market practices and AIB-operated systems.
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Implications for the Romanian renewable energy market
The current inability to transfer Romanian GOs across borders has been a major constraint on market development. It has limited GO liquidity and complicated long-term PPA negotiations, as investors and offtakers lack a reliable mechanism to monetise the environmental attributes of renewable electricity.
The planned reforms are intended to remove these structural barriers. Once implemented, the new framework is expected to improve market transparency and predictability, strengthen investor confidence and enhance the credibility and value of Romanian GOs. In parallel, it should support bankable project development and facilitate the wider use of long-term PPAs in Romania’s renewable energy sector. (mg)
Author: Daniel Vlasceanu. Co-author: Ana Ivanescu, Associate Lawyer at Vlasceanu & Partners
