Highlights from the Energy Forum in Romania

The event facilitated discussions and meetings between Romanian and Norwegian entities, underscoring the mutual interest in advancing green energy initiatives. Both nations are highly dedicated to reducing CO2 emissions and have ambitious plans for green energy that are well-aligned with Norway's expertise and experience in the industry.

See the highlights from the Energy Forum

Recordings from the Energy Forum are are available here: The Energy Forum – Sustainable Opportunities in Romania (youtube.com)

The Energy Forum focused on four key topics:

Offshore wind 

Norway has an extensive coast as well as expertise in offshore and maritime operations. Norway is a pioneer in floating offshore wind and has a complete offshore wind value chain, offering a wide range of services, equipment and solutions for offshore wind farms. See more on Offshore wind from Norway (businessnorway.com).

Hydrogen 

Norway is a world-leading producer of green hydrogen and low-carbon hydrogen and a pioneer in hydrogen-powered vessels. Norway also offers high-quality solutions for hydrogen, transport, storage and distribution Hydrogen from Norway (businessnorway.com). Another noteworthy development in this year’s CESEC is the initiative by Bulgaria, Romania and Greece to create a Regional Renewable Hydrogen Cluster.

CCS 

Norway is leveraging its extensive experience from the offshore oil and gas industry to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS). Norwegian companies play a pivotal role in advancing the technology of CCS in Europe. See more on CCS on Business Norway.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal is considered a long-term investment for countries with geothermal resources for electricity production. In Iceland, all electricity is now produced with renewable energy. Geothermal is a vital part of the energy mix, powering about 90% of the nation’s central heating, and 30% of electricity. Iceland has both high-temperature and low-temperature geothermal resources, with six geothermal power plants generating electricity. In Iceland, geothermal resources create business opportunities in other industries, including the wellness industry, cosmetics, biotechnology, aquaculture, e-fuels and green methanol production.

Open Call for Bilateral Cooperation

The EEA and Norway Grants represent the contribution from Norway and Iceland to social and economic development in Europe. The Grants aim to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe and to increase cooperation between the countries involved. Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Norway,Icelandand Liechtenstein provide more than 100 million euro to programmes on Energy and on Business Innovation in Romania. The programmes are operated by Innovation Norway with an office in Bucharest.

Innovation Norway, through the Energy Forum, aims to bolster bilateral cooperation by announcing an opencall for joint projects. This call provides financial support to innovative Romanian and Norwegian collaborations, transforming pioneering ideas into practical solutions. The event reinforced the belief that cooperation between Romania and Norway will benefit not only the two countries but also Europe as a whole.

The Energy Forum successfully fostered connections between Romanian and Norwegian partners, resulting in a high number of joint bilateral applications to the open call for green transition projects. These bilateral projects will focus on several key areas discussed during the Energy Forum

The EEA and Norway Grants represent a significant contribution from Norway and Iceland to social and economic development in Europe. These grants aim to reduce disparities and enhance cooperation among participating countries. In Romania, Norway and Iceland provide over 100 million euros to support programs focused on energy and business innovation, managed by Innovation Norway through its Bucharest office.

Norwegian Expertise in Renewable Energy

Norway's extensive expertise in offshore wind, hydrogen, and CCS is instrumental in advancing Europe's green transition. Norway is a pioneer in floating offshore wind technology, offering a complete value chain for offshore wind farms. The country is also a world leader in green and low-carbon hydrogen production, providing high-quality solutions for hydrogen transport, storage, and distribution. Furthermore, Norwegian companies are at the forefront of developing CCS technologies, leveraging their experience from the offshore oil and gas industry.

Romania's Green Energy Ambitions

Romania is rapidly emerging as a keyplayer in Europe’s green energy landscape. The country is making significant strides in hydrogen production, offshore wind development, and CCS implementation and is therefore leading the way towards a greener Europe.

Matchmaking

The aim was to create business opportunities and cooperation between Norwegian and Romanian participants, and the event included a matchmaking both online and at the venue. A total of 180participants had registered and 41 meetings took place during the matchmaking session. At the venue, the room was buzzing with physical meetings between participants at the event. The participants were eager to meet and discuss, both on and off stage, and the matchmaking sessions clearly yielded positive outcome!

The Energy Forum has significantly strengthened Romanian-Norwegian cooperation in green energy and boosted future partnership. The bilateral projects and opencall for cooperation promise to advance renewable energy, resource efficiency, and sustainable solutions. By leveraging each country's strengths, Romania and Norway are poised to make substantial contributions to Europe's green transition, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.