Romania's Energy Minister, Sebastian Burduja, recently participated in a debate regarding the Green Deal, revealing both progress and the challenges of the country's energy transition during an event organized as part of the Starea Studenților initiative.
The debate took place on the evening of March 22, 2025, and was marked by dramatic moments, including a protest by a Greenpeace activist. Burduja noted that the debate initially seemed like a "kamikaze mission" given the intense reactions from certain environmental activists. However, he expressed satisfaction over the continued openness to dialogue in Romania concerning energy transition.
In a statement shared on Facebook the following day, Burduja emphasized that discussion remains essential for weighing the costs and benefits of energy policies affecting Romania and Europe, stating, "The real victory is that we still have openness in Romania to dialogue, to listen to our arguments, and to weigh the costs and benefits for Romania and Europe. At the end, we can agree not to agree; what is important is that we respect each other."
The minister highlighted frustrations regarding certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that he claims block infrastructure development through a series of legal challenges. Burduja referenced Article 15 of the Romanian Civil Code, stating, "2-3 NGOs, that systematically block development... can be sanctioned under legal provisions." He questioned whether these groups fear accountability, asking rhetorically, "Who is afraid of truth and judicial examination? Or is ‘correctness’ only for those who have the right to litigate without repercussions if they break the law?"
Burduja stressed the necessity of an energy transition, stating it must be carried out thoughtfully so as not to harm Romania. He insisted that it was not a matter of whether the transition occurs, but rather how and at what pace it should be done, highlighting the impact public policies must have on economic and social contexts.
As part of his presentation, Burduja shared insights into Romania's achievements in securing funding for energy initiatives. He proclaimed, "We are champions in the EU at attracting non-reimbursable funds from the Modernization Fund and PNRR; we have the most signed contracts, totaling 14 billion euros in grants, a large part of which is specifically for green energy."
According to Burduja, there are over 10,000 MW of new renewable energy production and storage capacities being developed in the country. Furthermore, he cited Romania's advancements in offshore wind energy legislation, battery laws, and a framework that encourages energy storage as vital components of the energy strategy. He added that 2024 will witness the highest implementation of solar and wind parks in eight years, reflecting the momentum for advancing green energy projects.
However, he also recognized the sobering reality of Romania having decommissioned over 7,000 MW of established energy production capacity without necessary replacements, leading to increased energy imports, sometimes at high costs, from other countries that still rely on coal. Burduja explained, "In periods of high consumption, we import energy, sometimes at very high prices. Ironically, from countries that produce coal-based energy!" He added that without reliable substitutes ready to operate, shutting down coal-fired power plants and mines could jeopardize Romania's energy security and prosperity.
Touching upon Romania's vulnerability during low wind or sunlight periods, Burduja reiterated that this unpredictability severely affects grid stability, raises prices, and hampers overall competitiveness and job security within Romania. He underlined the importance of not rushing the energy transition, saying, "I firmly stated that we cannot close thermal power plants and coal mines before having functional alternatives."
Burduja also made clear a historical perspective on Romania's past energy crises. He recalled that the country's only significant blackout occurred in 1977, which lasted five hours and led to greater damages than an earthquake that hit the same year. “We should never reach that point again,” he cautioned.
Finally, in a broader context of increasing polarization in society, Burduja called for reason, balance, and moderation in discussions surrounding energy policies, underscoring the need to overcome toxic ideological extremes. "Together, we can find a middle ground, without ideological excesses and without supporting Europe’s dependency on Eastern energy blackmail experts,” he concluded.
