On September 11, Gas Worker's Day, we look toward an industry that has been part of Romania's energy history for over a century. But more importantly, we look toward the role that gas can play in the next stage of development for the Romanian energy system and economy.
The story of Romanian natural gas begins in 1909, in Sărmășel, Mureș County. During drilling operations for potassium salts, natural gases erupted to the surface, marking the beginning of the development of the natural gas industry in Romania. The first production was recorded in 1913, and in the following years an extraction, transport, and gas utilization infrastructure was developed that was, for that period, among the most advanced in Europe.
In 1914, the Sărmășel–Turda pipeline, with a length of 55 kilometers, was completed, and in 1917, Turda became the first city in Europe illuminated with natural gas. Gradually, the use of gas expanded from lighting and heating to industry, and the transport networks connected more and more localities and industrial centers.
Infrastructure development continued. In 1947, Bucharest was supplied with natural gas from deposits in the Transylvanian Basin, and in 1958 the first natural gas storage facility in Romania was built in Ilimbav, Sibiu County. This brought significant capacity for managing consumption variations and ensuring the more flexible operation of the system.
Natural gas, part of Romania's energy mix
More than a century later, natural gas remains an important component of the Romanian energy system, both for the population and industry, as well as for electricity generation.
At the same time, Romania has a diversified energy mix, in which gas, hydro energy, nuclear energy, and renewable sources together contribute to meeting energy demand. This diversity is an advantage for Romania, and energy security means the ability to capitalize on these resources through production, transport, storage, and adequate infrastructure.
Neptun Deep and the next stage
Today, the history of the natural gas industry continues through projects that can define the next stage of the Romanian energy system.
An example is Neptune Deep, one of Romania's most important energy projects. The first quantities of gas are estimated for 2027, and the project can contribute to strengthening Romania's energy security and regional energy resilience.
Its importance, however, goes beyond gas production itself. The development of domestic resources can reduce Romania's exposure to foreign market developments and increase the country's capacity to manage its own energy needs. At the same time, the availability of domestic resources can support industry and investment in an economy where access to secure, predictable, and competitive energy is essential for development.
Gas plays an important role in this equation because it is used both for the production of energy and heat, and as a raw material in certain industries. Therefore, the competitiveness of the Romanian industry is also linked to the ability to have access to gas under competitive and predictable conditions.
From the first wells in Sărmășel to today's energy projects, the natural gas industry has evolved alongside Romania. History shows us where we started. Today's resources, infrastructure, and projects show us where we can go.
On Gas Worker's Day, we recognize the contribution of the people who made this evolution possible and that of the professionals who continue to develop the Romanian energy sector.
Happy birthday to all gas workers!
