Romanian Energy Minister Re-Affirms Commitment to Wind Energy

“All those who wish to invest in energy will have the necessary support from government”. This is the quote today from the Romanian Energy Minister, Constantin Nita, less than a week ahead of the largest wind energy event in the country to be held on the 15-16 January at the JW Marriott, Bucharest.

The Minister’s reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to wind energy is a huge boost for investors already active or looking at Romania as a potential wind plant site after 2012’s uncertainty and elections. Government support for wind power, including the longevity of the generous green certificate scheme (where producers are awarded 2 certificates per MW produced, which can be sold for Euros 27-55 per certificate) is a key theme at the 3rd Wind Power Romania Congress.

he support offered thus far by government has seen the country develop nearly 2,000 MW of wind power, from just 14MW in 2008! The government support was what investors needed and once Law 220 was passed in 2011, investors and applications for wind permits flooded into the market. Now that the government is reaffirming its commitment, one source of uncertainty at least has been alleviated for investors.

There are many opportunities in the market still to be realised; with three wind farms connected this month and gigawatt pipelines from companies like Monsson Group, and ongoing work in Romania from Continental Wind Partners, CEZ and Iberdrola, Enel – to name but a few – as well as plants beginning to be sold onto other investors, the Romanian Wind market is just getting started!

Next week from 15-16 January, more than 300 of the key market players meet in Bucharest. 5 tickets remain, and can be booked online at www.windpowerromania.com