The Romanian Wind Energy Association (RWEA) and the Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association (RPIA) warn that the proposed changes to the Grid Connection Regulation could lead to energy price increases and ripple economic effects, such as a reduction in sector jobs and lower local budget revenues, due to a slowdown in investments in new production capacities, according to a press release.
The associations say that in recent years, as a result of the rapid growth of investment in the energy sector, the number of technical connection permits (ATR) issued has increased significantly. At the same time, starting in 2022, over 5.5 GW of photovoltaic and wind capacity has been commissioned, covering between 40% and 50% of electricity production during the day. However, there remains a significant number of ATRs that will not materialize and that cause a „paper” load on the grid.
The need for a filtering mechanism to discourage speculative projects is real and recognized by the industry itself, which proposed, as early as 2019, the introduction of measures such as guarantees for the issuance of the ATR – a measure implemented only in 2024. The industry also proposed the automatic termination of the grid connection approval's validity if the project does not obtain the necessary permits within a predefined timeframe, an idea subsequently adopted by ANRE. In its current form, however, in an effort to discourage speculative projects, the draft regulation imposes conditions so restrictive that they also affect investments with real chances of implementation.
We recall that, in practice, project development is frequently affected by delays in the approval processes, due to institutional constraints or limited administrative capacity. A relevant example is obtaining the approval from the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority for wind turbines, where, just to submit the application, available deadlines start from June 2027. In this context, the RPIA and RWEA associations emphasize that the changes must not ignore the proposals formulated by the investment sector.
„We call for the adoption of a coherent and balanced regulation that will effectively filter speculative projects, reflect on-the-ground realities, support investments, and contribute to accelerating the energy transition. It is essential for Romania to maintain a predictable and competitive framework.” stated the representatives of RWEA and RPIA.
The solutions proposed by professional associations are in the spirit of ANRE's initiative, but they aim to establish realistic deadlines of 24 or 36 months to avoid blocking viable projects.
„An approach where all investors are treated as potential speculators is not justified. Renewable energy is the only sector that has delivered and continues to deliver new capacity on a large scale in recent years. Imposing disproportionate conditions risks blocking precisely the projects that can be implemented.”, added representatives from RPIA and RWEA.
According to industry estimates, over 700 million euros have been invested so far, just in the permitting phase, in the development of energy projects. These projects generate horizontal economic effects, supporting extensive value chains, from consulting services, engineering, and specialized studies to local suppliers and manufacturers, and related activities, which contributes to Romania's economic competitiveness. Furthermore, currently, over 70,000 full-time employees work in the sector. To reach the targets set by the National Integrated Energy and Climate Change Plan – over 10 GW in photovoltaic energy and 7 GW in wind energy – this number is expected to exceed 100,000 by 2030.
Associations are warning of the risk of a recurrence of a blockage in the energy production sector, in the context of proposed changes to the Electricity Grid Connection Regulation. A similar precedent was recorded after 2013, when the energy sector went through a period of stagnation of almost a decade. The effects were significant, and regaining Romania's investment attractiveness required years and sustained effort. Furthermore, a development blockage means fewer jobs, lower revenues for local budgets, and increased pressure on energy prices. Renewable energy capacities, the most price-competitive, are essential for cost stabilization, as shown by examples from Spain and Portugal.
In the current context, marked by economic and geopolitical pressures, as well as ambitious decarbonization objectives, maintaining the predictability of the regulatory framework is essential, given that every installed MW matters.