By Minener Editorial Team | May 2025
Romania and the United States have taken a major step forward in their energy alliance, following a high-level meeting between Romania’s Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja and U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Allen Wright. The bilateral conversation took place during the Three Seas Summit and marked the first official energy dialogue under President Donald Trump’s new administration.
The two sides focused on how to strengthen Romania’s role as a regional energy hub—one that’s not only resilient but also aligned with the green transition. Minister Burduja underlined that this collaboration isn’t new: it began during Trump’s first term and has matured into a long-term strategic partnership.
Energy Security and Affordability Front and Center
Amid Europe’s ongoing energy challenges—rising prices, the closure of coal plants, and costly CO₂ certificates—Burduja called for what he terms a “Smart Deal.” The idea is simple but urgent: build an energy system that prioritizes security first, affordability second, and cleanliness third. “We need realistic, effective solutions that protect citizens and economies,” he said.
Flagship Projects Backed by U.S. Technology
Several major projects were reviewed during the meeting:
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Doicești, built with U.S. firm NuScale, aim to bring next-generation nuclear power to Romania.
- Expansion of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, specifically Units 3 and 4, is moving forward with American engineering firms Fluor and Sargent & Lundy.
- A new high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector will help modernize regional grids and integrate renewable energy more effectively.
- Pumped-storage hydroelectric projects, developed with Hidroelectrica and the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, will provide critical energy storage capacity.
- The geothermal potential of Bucharest is being mapped with EU support, exploring sustainable heating options for the capital.
- The Neptun Deep offshore gas project, which could double national gas output by 2027, will tap into U.S. offshore drilling technology via the Transocean Barents platform.
Solar Energy Takes Off at the Local Level
In parallel, Burduja shared big news about Romania’s local green energy push: over 2.1 billion lei has now been directed into solar energy projects for public buildings.
On April 25, the Ministry signed 60 new financing contracts with municipalities and public agencies. These projects fall under the Key 1 Renewable Energy and Storage Program, aimed at boosting energy independence in local schools, hospitals, and government offices.
The latest round of funding—worth nearly 115 million lei (about 23 million euros)—will install over 15 MW of new solar capacity. That brings the countrywide total to nearly 300 MW across more than 830 signed projects.
“Clean energy means lower bills,” said Burduja. “Most of this funding—over 1.8 billion lei—comes from non-repayable EU funds. This is money we’ve brought in to power Romania’s energy future.”
These systems already help institutions cover up to 70% of their electricity needs, cutting costs for services like street lighting and healthcare. “It’s not just about going green. It’s about autonomy, savings, and real impact in people’s lives,” Burduja emphasized.
Looking ahead, Romania plans to continue scaling these efforts with more partnerships and EU funding opportunities on the horizon. “We’re staying the course,” said Burduja. “Our goal remains unchanged: a secure, affordable, and clean energy future for all.”