The dormitory of Liceul Tehnologic Tudor Vladimirescu in the commune of Șimian, Mehedinți County, has been energetically renovated to nZEB standards through an investment of over €1.5 million. It is the fifth public educational unit in Romania—and the second in a rural area—to benefit from complex energy renovation and modernization works through the România Eficientă program, implemented by Energy Policy Group (EPG) and supported by OMV Petrom.
The building was inaugurated on September 26, 2025, during a ceremony attended by students, teachers, members of the community and local authorities, representatives of the School Inspectorate and the press, as well as officials from OMV Petrom and EPG.
In her opening speech, Iulia Ionescu, Senior Project Manager at OMV Petrom, emphasized the strategic importance of the România Eficientă program, which she described as a “flagship project” of the company:
“The energy transition and the way we achieve climate goals are essential for our industry. As a key player in the Romanian energy sector, OMV Petrom is committed to contributing and delivering cleaner energy for today and for the future.
România Eficientă means more than just a local community impact—it is closely tied to our 2030 Strategy, where energy efficiency, innovation, and responsibility go hand in hand. Through programs like this, we don’t just modernize schools; we build a more sustainable future for the next generations.”
The nZEB-standard renovations carried out through România Eficientă serve as best practice models for improving the energy performance of public buildings, which can be replicated and successfully implemented nationwide.
“We want to extend this sustainable model created through România Eficientă to all local authorities that wish to adopt it. We provide them with all the necessary experience and solutions,” added the OMV Petrom representative.
The social and economic impact of the deep energy renovation of the Tudor Vladimirescu dormitory and the România Eficientă program was also highlighted by Radu Sava, technical expert at EPG:
“Implementing this program in rural areas brings even greater benefits because the need for such investments is much more visible here,” he stated.
The dormitory building has been completely transformed: from thermal insulation and the replacement of electrical, plumbing, and heating systems to the installation of new heating, ventilation, lighting, and domestic hot water systems, as well as a photovoltaic panel system on the new roof. All these upgrades will translate into very low energy consumption, reduced utility bills, and—most importantly—a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for students. These conditions will enhance their well-being, help reduce school dropout rates, and boost educational performance. Students will enjoy coming to school, feel more motivated to learn, and aim for better results. They will also become more aware and responsible regarding energy use, sharing good efficiency practices with their families and friends.
The support provided through România Eficientă has been vital for the school and its students, confirmed Julieta Husarciuc, principal of Liceul Tehnologic Tudor Vladimirescu.
Due to numerous deficiencies and the general state of deterioration of the dormitory building, more than 60% of students enrolled in day classes risked not being able to continue their studies. Many come from across Mehedinți County, traveling over 60–70 km daily.
“I want to thank OMV Petrom for their willingness to invest more than one and a half million euros in a building located in a small Romanian village,” she said.
In turn, Constantin Trușcă, Mayor of Șimian, emphasized that the project would not have been possible without this partnership, expressing his gratitude to OMV Petrom, EPG, and everyone involved for the excellent collaboration and results achieved:
“This investment was absolutely necessary. As a local authority, we did not have the financial capacity—our budget would never have allowed us to make such an investment.”
The nZEB energy renovation of the Tudor Vladimirescu dormitory in Șimian is a remarkable project, unique at the county level, whose impact will be amplified over time, said Cristian Harcău, General School Inspector of Mehedinți County:
“I am convinced that everyone involved in the educational process at this school will make the most of these facilities, using them responsibly and teaching students to do the same. It is essential to remind them to value efficiency.”
Beyond the modern conditions that will support learning activities, students at Șimian are also receiving a hands-on lesson in energy efficiency and resource responsibility. They will carry these values into their families and communities, helping build a culture of energy efficiency throughout society.