Alexandru Matei Fatu: „We are experiencing openness and cooperation in Romania“. ©CCE Romania

In this interview, the managing director of CCE Romania explains the role of solar energy in the current reforms and the main challenges in the country’s transition from fossil energy production to low-carbon systems.

Munich, 04. December 2025

With fifteen years of experience in the Romanian energy sector, Alexandru Matei Fatu, managing director of CCE Romania, has played an active role in its transformation toward decarbonisation. The country is experiencing a rapidly accelerating shift from traditional CO₂-based power generation to photovoltaics and other low-carbon technologies. In this interview, Fatu discusses how this transition is reshaping established energy structures, redefining approaches to power generation, grid stability and sustainability, and outlines the key opportunities and challenges for solar energy in Romania.

What is your view on the current energy landscape in Romania?

Romania’s energy landscape has long been characterised by a diverse energy mix. Coal, natural gas, hydropower and nuclear power traditionally formed the foundation of the country’s electricity supply. In the early 2000s, Romania was a net exporter of electricity and played a key role as a regional energy hub in Southeast Europe.

When did this change start?

With EU market integration and a gradual decline in domestic generation capacity, Romania became an electricity importer. However, this appears to be changing. Through the transformation from CO₂-based to CO₂-neutral production, Romania is once again becoming a net exporter. Investments in photovoltaics and wind energy are increasing.

What role does coal play in the country’s energy mix today?

The share of coal in electricity generation has fallen from around 30 percent at the beginning of the 2010s to about 15 percent in 2024. Wind and solar energy now supply around one-fifth of national production. Hydropower remains an important pillar of the system, and nuclear energy also plays a limited role in maintaining security of supply.

What is the population’s attitude towards photovoltaic projects?

One aspect that distinguishes Romania’s energy transition is the constructive attitude of local communities towards renewable energy projects. Unlike in some European countries, Romania is experiencing openness and cooperation. Municipalities and local authorities recognise the benefits, ranging from new, future-proof jobs and improved infrastructure to increased tax revenue. Partnerships at the municipal level form part of our development success in Romania.

What are the challenges for project developers?

In my view, the biggest obstacles are administrative complexity and limited grid capacity. Although the legal framework has improved in recent years, regional differences still exist in the permitting processes. Inconsistent regulations complicate the approval process and lead to delays.

What ist he situation on grid connection points?

The availability of suitable grid connection points also remains insufficient. However, grid connection and building permits can now be applied for concurrently, which has already considerably shortened project development time. A capacity tendering system is intended to provide greater transparency and planning certainty starting in 2026. If implemented effectively, this may represent a benefit for investors and project developers.

Where do you see the strength of your branch?

Certainly in our multidisciplinary experience and close collaboration with regulatory authorities and grid operators. We can also manage project financing without EU subsidies. We reliably secure projects with long-term power purchase agreements, and this is also supported by banks.

How do you assess the next 10 years?

By 2035, Romania’s energy landscape may have fundamentally transformed. Renewable energies are expected to dominate electricity generation, complemented by storage solutions and digitally optimised grids. The participation of prosumers and energy communities will hopefully contribute to the development of a more decentralised and thus more resilient system. Hybrid concepts combining photovoltaics, battery storage and green hydrogen appear to represent the next phase of innovation. We are already investigating how combined photovoltaic and hydrogen plants can contribute to decarbonisation and system flexibility.

Interview by Manfred Gorgus