Romania might become energy independent by around 2020 due to deposits in the Black Sea, and the 'cautious' development of renewable energies.

The direction is laid out in the first set of principles that will form the basis of the new energy strategy for 2014-2035, according to a Department for Energy statement.

“In 2014-2024, Romania should encourage the prudent development of renewable energy, with a focus on biomass, given that investments in wind power and photovoltaic have developed too quickly and and in an unsustainable manner in recent years. In the coming years, the installation of new electricity production capacities in wind and photovoltaic could cause significant problems in the system's functioning,” reads the statement, cited by Agerpres.

It also states that the development of nuclear energy is essential for achieving the European objectives to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas , and coal could remain an important source for Romania’s energy security, even though its share in the energy mix will decrease, being affected by the increase in energy consumption.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com