On November 22, the energy sector, together with prominent guests from other fields - authorities, parliamentarians, specialists in related fields - gathered at the Gaz de România Gala - Together for the future of energy to share this year's successes, but also for a good coordination of actions in the coming period.
Every year, our event brings together personalities from the energy sector and contributes to the fabric of ideas and principles on which joint actions are built.
This year's edition emphasized, more than ever, the power of coordination, of targets to which the whole industry contributes, with the support of the authorities and public opinion. This is because our industry is becoming a leader in one of the most important movements in the Romanian economy and society: the energy transition. The objectives are assumed by Romania, but the initiatives which lead to achieving the targets are each and every one of us, both at company level and even at personal or family level.
An image transition. Gaz de România becomes Viitorul Energiei
In a symbolic support of the energy transition, we marked a new moment in the history of our project: Gaz de România will now be called Viitorul Energiei, and will also have a new visual identity. This new concept was presented for the first time at the Gala, and the distinguished guests from the industry did us the honor of witnessing this important moment.
Viitorul Energiei - the new identity under which we will continue to promote Romanian energy, its evolution and the specialists who make it possible for the sector to run smoothly - was created based on 8 pillars that are important for Romania and its prosperous and sustainable future.
The 8 pillars are:
- Geothermal energy
- CCS (carbon capture and storage)
- Nuclear energy
- Hydrogen
- Offshore wind energy
- Solar energy
- Biofuels
- Natural gas
These are, in fact, some of the identified technologies on which the Romanian energy transition is based and where attention, efforts and funds will be focused, within the country and beyond. The Viitorul Energiei project will continue to promote companies, innovation, technology and to carry out a popularization approach to the general public, so that the whole society acts as a whole for a transition to a better future.
We are proud of 2023's achievements
One of the highlights of the evening was the launch of the Neptun Deep project to produce natural gas in the Black Sea.
The representatives of the two partner companies - Mrs. Christina Verchere, CEO OMV PETROM, and Mrs. Diana Lupu, Managing Director ROMGAZ, Black Sea Ltd were together on the stage of the Gaz de România Gala and underlined the importance and impact of Neptun Deep on Romania: with this project, Romania will become the largest producer of natural gas in the EU.
Also, as a symbol of the transformation that the energy sector is undergoing, Mrs. Christina Verchere pointed out that OMV Petrom will invest €3.5 billion in renewable energy over the next few years.
Mrs. Diana Lupu also underlined the success of the two companies, recalling both the investment decision in June and the entry into the development phase in August 2023, highlighting the contribution of the authorities and the teams that made it possible to complete the stages. He also indicated the desire of the 2 companies for the first gas to enter the national energy system in 2027.
At the forefront of energy success. Awards for the future
Together with partners, authorities, specialists from the energy sector and related fields, during the Gala, we celebrated the exchange of technological generations in the energy industry, as well as the continuity of a successful field in Romania, the natural gas sector. Thus, awards - symbolizing the innovations that have already started - were presented. We want them to represent, in fact, a milestone, and this year's winners will present next year's awards as a perpetuation of the mentality of a pioneer in technology and a promoter of progress.
Geothermal Energy Award
The first award of the evening was dedicated to Geothermal Energy and was presented by Mr. Casian Nițulescu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Oradea City Hall "for the exemplary use of geothermal energy. In Oradea, the exchange of generations in technology has already begun. This municipality gives renewable resources the place of honor they deserve in the energy mix, for the comfort and well-being of citizens. Oradea is truly a development model for Romania." Mr. Florin Birta, Mayor of Oradea, received the award on behalf of the institution he heads and pointed out that, through investments of 30 million euros, 15% of the energy needed for the operation of the heating system in Oradea comes from geothermal water. Also, Oradea deserves its reputation as a model city in the use of this type of energy through ongoing projects: by 2030, 501TPTP7T of the city's energy will come from geothermal energy.
Nuclear Energy Prize
The second distinction was awarded by Mr. Casian Nițulescu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and he paid tribute to SN Nuclearelectrica "for the stability provided to the national energy system. It is not easy to maintain the same level of performance for almost 30 years. Nuclearelectrica proves its value day after day, through its constant and reliable participation in Romania's energy supply. Now, through investment and innovation, Nuclearelectrica is getting ready to show us once again that Romanians have a vocation as pioneers in technology. ", as stated in the FPPG motivation. The award was presented to Mrs. Roxana Tompea, Investment Director of Nuclearelectrica, who pointed out that the investment projects carried out give Romania the chance to become a benchmark in the region and contribute to building a sustainable future.
CCS (carbon capture and storage) award
Mr. Florian Grosu, XP Country Manager, presented the CCS Award and the winner was CIROM, the Romanian Cement and Other Mineral Products for Construction Industry Employers' Association, for its perseverance and energy invested in promoting CCS technology in Romania. Carbon capture and storage is essential to maintain the competitiveness of Romanian industrial products. And to keep factories in the country. It is an award for the work so far and to encourage CIROM's welcome and valuable future efforts." It is interesting the continuity of vision between the 2 entities, XP and CIROM, both share strong efforts for sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction, a benefit for the energy sector, the environment and Romanian industry.
Mrs. Marinela Drăcea, Executive Director of CIROM, emphasized the need for collaboration and dialogue within the energy sector, but also with the general public.
Hydrogen Prize
Mrs. Oana Ijdelea, Member of the Board BSOG, awarded the Prize for Hydrogen, one of the most important pillars of the energy transition in Romania. This Award was given to Liberty Steel Galati, "for the initiative to transform Galati into the Green Hydrogen Valley, a boost and an example for the energy transition in Romania. The Romanian industry needs green hydrogen, which is why we appreciate the involvement of Liberty Steel Galați, a real engine of sustainable economy in Romania". Mr. Radu Ionescu, Managing Director of Liberty Steel, reiterated the company's desire to make "green steel" ("green steel" = "green steel", produced without CO₂ emissions) in Galati, for the benefit of the local community and future generations.
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These awards were given for four of the pillars that will underpin the future of Romanian energy. The other pillars will certainly be awarded in future editions. Romania has high expectations in these four areas and the energy sector will certainly respond with projects that we will proudly present.
We thank OMV Petrom, ROMGAZ, Black Sea Oil & Gas, XP (which, we remind you, until recently was called Expert Petroleum), FPPG member companies that sponsored and supported the organization, the guests who honored us with their presence and all those who made possible the organization of this Gala.
We believe that the energy and warmth with which we have been surrounded bodes well for the Viitorul Energiei project, the new generation of Gaz de Romania, and we hope that future editions of our Gala will be received with the same enthusiasm.
