CNR-WEC: Renewable sources and energy storage, present and future

The conference “RENEWABLE SOURCES AND ENERGY STORAGE: PRESENT AND FUTURE”, organized on May 22, 2025 in Timișoara by the Romanian National Committee of the World Energy Council (CNR-WEC), in partnership with the TIMIS Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (CCIAT), highlighted the latest developments in the legislative and regulatory framework related to the renewable energy sector, as well as energy storage solutions.

The event analyzed topics of strategic importance regarding the transposition of European directives into national legislation, investment support and incentive mechanisms, financing opportunities, the integration of storage solutions into energy networks and the impact of new regulations on the energy market. At the same time, updated legislative perspectives, proposals for harmonizing the regulatory framework, solutions to challenges related to the flexibility and security of the energy system, along with an analysis of the fiscal implications specific to the industry, were addressed.

Financing opportunities, both reimbursable and non-reimbursable, for projects using renewable energy technologies and battery storage systems (BESS) were also highlighted. Special attention was paid to analyzing the profitability of investments in the sector, as well as mechanisms for recovering the value of surplus electricity delivered to the National Energy System (SEN) by prosumers.

The speakers highlighted current topics regarding:

• integration of renewable energy sources into the national energy mix, with the related challenges and perspectives;
• status and perspective of renewable energy sources in Romania, highlighting legislative and regulatory aspects;
• development of renewable energy projects and their storage;
• development perspectives;
• non-reimbursable financing and integrated services;
• energy markets for profitable hybrid locations;
• maximum utilization of centralized investments in battery technologies for electricity storage.

The Opening Session of the conference was moderated by Prof. Dr. Eng. Ion Lungu, President of CNR-CME, who, trying to answer the questions: “Why CNR-CME? Why Timișoara? Why renewable sources?”, emphasized: “CNR-CME is a strategic partner in the fields of energy and environment for the Romanian energy community to address issues related to sustainable development and efficient use of energy resources; the development of renewable energy sources coupled with storage systems is not just an alternative but the solution that is becoming increasingly efficient, is a decisive step towards energy independence and generates clean energy in the market. We chose Timișoara responding to an invitation from CCIAT – Timiș Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, by virtue of a harmonious partnership that we want to develop together.”

Mr. Sándor Bende – Chairman of the Committee on Industries and Services, Chamber of Deputies, stated: “Secure energy, at a competitive price and as green as possible, is essential for the development of the country. The strong increase in the number of prosumers together with local storage systems can play an important role in covering energy needs. For energy production, Romania has an enviable energy mix, but a more intense concern is needed for the increase in energy consumption. Significant investments are needed in transport and distribution networks, in energy security, but also in the training of specialists in the field.”

Mr. Cristian Bușoi – State Secretary, Ministry of Energy, mentioned the main objectives for future activity: “Improving the legislative framework (eliminating bureaucracy) to accelerate the reduction of fossil fuel input, modernizing electricity transmission and distribution networks, implementing digitalization and artificial intelligence solutions, developing energy storage systems and improving the legislative framework in this area. The Ministry of Energy is a reliable partner of the business environment and energy represents an important factor of collaboration.”

During the Opening Session of the event, Mr. Ion Dumitru – Director of ANRE, Ms. Mihaela Tomescu – Director of the Economic Department and General Director of CCIAT, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ștefan Kilyeni – Politehnica University of Timișoara (UPT), Mr. Viorel Tudose – General Director of GETICA 95 and Mr. Zoltan Nagy-Bege – Director responsible for Energy Markets, CIGA Energy also spoke.

Also, Prof. Dr. Eng. Stefan Gheorghe, CNR-CME executive director general, highlighted the importance of the current context of the event and presented pertinent information regarding the Romanian Energy Symposium-SIREN 2025, which will be organized by CNR-CME between September 22-24, 2025, in Bucharest.

The discussion panel, “Financing Solutions, Legislative and Fiscal Challenges”, was moderated by Mr. Daniel Marcu, territorial representative of CNR-CME and by Prof. Dr. Eng. Nicolae CHIOSA- Politehnica University Timișoara, and the panel included speeches by Mr. Iulian Harpa– High Innovative Mind, Mr. Cristian Amza– Lutz & Associates, Ms. Crymhylde Galos– Banca Transilvania, Mr. Cristian Secrieru-Artenie, Secrieru & Partners, Mr. Horațiu Rada– Cons Electrificarea Instal and Mr. Vincenzo Moderno – MODVIN and Mr. Raido Seppam- Fusebox Energy.

The speakers’ speeches addressed fiscal topics with a direct impact on the industry, such as the tax on special constructions, the tax on additional income and the challenges generated by a general fiscal framework that is not very predictable, which allowed arbitrary interpretations by the authorities and generated a climate of uncertainty and reluctance among investors and entrepreneurs in the energy sector. The new property taxation system was also analyzed, including the concept of E-Property, but also the need to correlate fiscal burdens, especially regarding the delimitation and harmonization between the tax on special constructions and the tax on buildings.

At the same time, the conference highlighted structural and operational aspects of the National Energy System, with an emphasis on the distribution of electricity and the need to maintain its unity and coherence. The challenges related to compliance with consumption norms were analyzed, in the context of the differences between various geographical areas, emphasizing the need for professional training. The difficulties encountered in the implementation of projects financed by European funds, with a particular emphasis on the selection criteria provided for in the specifications, which constituted significant obstacles to the efficient development of investments, were also brought to the attention of the audience.

***

The Romanian National Committee of the World Energy Council (CNR-CME) Association comprises the largest national network of energy specialists and is the main energy organization in Romania, a founding member of the World Energy Council since 1924. CNR-CME is a professional, apolitical, non-governmental, non-profit or patrimonial organization, CNR-CME focuses the interests of various institutions and organizations in Romania interested in energy issues and its relationship with the economy and the environment, of specialists and civil society.