ROMANIA: Burduja proposed strict monitoring by the EC of the capacity of cross-border energy flows in transit countries
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The Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, proposed, at the Luxembourg meeting of EU Energy Ministers, a strict monitoring by the European Commission of the capacity of cross-border flows in transit countries, where there are lines, but they are only used to a small extent, and a coordination of maintenance works that can suddenly block certain interconnections, leading to massive price increases.
In the context in which, according to the Romanian official, energy prices in Eastern Europe have been, for several months, much higher than those in Western Europe, other solutions advanced by him refer to the acceleration of investments in new interconnections and exceptional measures on short term to protect European citizens and member states’ economies.
“At the Luxembourg meeting of the EU Energy Ministers, I chose to tell the truth: energy prices in Eastern Europe have been, for several months, much higher than those in Western Europe. It is incorrect and unacceptable, if we are talking about a single Europe, with a single market. We are tired of being “in the red” on the energy price map. The joint position of Romania, Greece and Bulgaria enjoyed wide support. I openly explained what was happening. Interconnections are missing in the center of Europe, and Ukraine needs more and more imported energy, although in the past years it was a net exporter. Even if Romanian bills are capped until April, and these pressures are not felt, it is a matter of principle and long-term competitiveness. Under these conditions, how can a Romanian company compete with one from Western Europe, not to mention those from the rest of the world?”, Burduja wrote on his Facebook page.
Under these conditions, the Minister of Energy mentioned that Romania is already interconnected with absolutely all its neighbors through 9 lines and has another 9 in the works, including 2 with the Republic of Moldova.
“We now have 3500 MW of capacity, representing 20% of the total capacity and 38% of the maximum daily production! Others do not even have 15%, as required by the EU, without being interconnected with their neighbors, also members of the EU”, emphasized the quoted source.
Regarding his request for short-term exceptional measures to protect European citizens and member states’ economies, Sebastian Burduja explained that assurances are needed that in the EU the energy market works fairly for everyone, and injustices are quickly corrected.
“In 3-5 years, Romania will no longer have these problems and will no longer depend on others – others will need us. Because the over 13 billion euros in signed contracts, non-refundable money attracted during my mandate, will have their say and we will still have 3500MW of gas, 2200MW of nuclear, 10000MW of solar and wind, plus the completion of the started hydropower plants (300MW), the gas from Neptun Deep and over 1000MW of storage.
Until then, things are clear: Romania flatly demands a single Europe, with the same rights for everyone on the energy market. Only in this way will we fulfill Jean Monnet’s dream for a Europe of unity, prosperity and peace”, concluded the Minister of Energy.
Sebastian Burduja participated on Tuesday in the Meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, in Luxembourg.
According to the information published on the website of the European Council, among the topics of discussion were the contribution of the energy sector to the competitiveness of the EU; wholesale electricity prices; preparation for winter; the state of the energy union and REPowerEU.
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