Green Opportunities in Romania
The Energy Forum – Green Opportunities in Romania is dedicated to cooperation between Romania and Norway/Iceland at a pivotal point of Romania’s energy transition. The event will offer insights into the political, economic, industrial, technological and environmental drivers of the energy transition. The focus will be on the opportunities available for cooperation between Romania and Norway or Iceland.
The energy sector is the biggest source of CO2 emissions both in Romania and in the EU. The energy sector is central to Romania’s transition towards climate neutrality by 2050 in line with the European Green Deal. The green energy transition will require unprecedented efforts, speed and scale.
Romania’s energy strategy is ambitious. It aims to replace coal and gas with green energy solutions, driven by strong support for new technologies, business development and cooperation. The strategy highlights the potential for hydrogen, offshore wind, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and geothermal energy. Norway and Iceland are uniquely positioned to contribute with experience and expertise in these energy sectors. With extensive experience in hydropower generation, offshore energy production and maritime operations, Norway is leveraging its expertise to create new industries replacing oil and gas with renewable energy. Iceland is in a unique position to provide expertise on geothermal energy.
The green transition of the energy sector in Romania provides both challenges and opportunities. The transition reshaped the industrial landscape, creating a competitive energy market that drives economic growth. The funding from the EU through the Romanian Recovery and Resilience Plan and REPowerEU plan spearhead the transition and complements the efforts of the Romanian government. There is great potential for increased cooperation between Romania and Norway/Iceland in the energy sector. The Business Forum will present these opportunities and pave the way for more cooperation.
Agenda
10:00 Welcome
- H.E. Norwegian Ambassador to Romania
10:15 Keynote
- State Secretary, Ministry of Energy in Romania on strategies and plans for the development of the energy sector in Romania
- State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Norway on Norwegian solutions on energy and the potential for cooperation
11:00 The Impact of the Energy and Business Innovation Programmes in Romania
- Magnar Ødelien, Programme Director EEA and Norway Grants, Innovation Norway on the overall contribution of the green pillar of the EEA and Norway Grants in Romania
11:30 Opportunities in Romania for Cooperation with Norwegian/Icelandic Companies
Funding opportunities in Romania, including EU-funded programmes (e.g. Recovery and Resilience Fund, REPowerEU and others)
- Ministry of Energy in Romania
- Ministry of Investments and European Projects in Romania
12:30 Lunch Break/Informal networking lunch
13:30 Thematic Sessions
Trends, opportunities and potential within key sectors of common interest.
13:30 – 14:45 Sessions 1 and 2 running in parallel
- Session 1: Offshore wind
- Session 2: Hydrogen
14:45 – 15:15 Break
15:15 – 16:30 Sessions 3 and 4 running in parallel
- Session 3: Carbon Capture and Storage
- Session 4: Geothermal energy
16:30 Networking with light refreshments
About the Energy Programme in Romania
The Energy Programme in Romania, managed by Innovation Norway, aims at less carbon-intensive energy and increased energy security, providing grants for investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification of households. The Programme financing is ensured through the EEA and Norway Grants which contribute to social and economic development in 10 European countries, including Romania.
About Innovation Norway
Innovation Norway is the Norwegian Government's most important instrument for innovation and development of Norwegian enterprises and industry. Innovation Norway supports companies in developing their competitive advantage and to enhance innovation.
In Romania, Innovation Norway is managing two programmes: the Energy Programme and the SMEs Growth Programme.