Romania's Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan on Monday welcomed European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen to discuss the main challenges in the field of energy and housing, as well as ways to strengthen Romania's cooperation with the European Commission in these areas.
According to the Romanian government, Bolojan showed that, although Romania has invested in recent years in renewable energy and weatherising buildings, the related projects have been carried out fragmented, without coordination at national level.
Another subject was investments in energy storage facilities and the expansion of regional interconnectivity, for better stability of the energy system.
"In order to balance production and consumption, Romania must invest in storage and in connecting energy networks with Western Europe. The projects will reduce costs and increase energy security," Bolojan is quoted as saying in a press statement.
At the same time, Bolojan thanked the European Commission for its support in extending the term of operation of coal-fired power plants, a measure that contributes to maintaining stability in the transition period to clean sources.
He also showed Romania's interest in the development of nuclear energy through the refurbishment of Cernavoda Unit 1 and investments in the new capacities planned in the Black Sea area.
Taking into account the responsibilities of the commissioner in the area of housing, the possibility of extending European support programmes for the weatherisation of old blocks of flats was discussed to improve energy efficiency and housing comfort.
In his turn, European Commissioner Jorgensen welcomed Romania's initiatives, mentioning the importance of regional cooperation and investment in energy infrastructure to eliminate dependence on Russian gas.
He restated the European Commission's support for projects that contribute to raising the living standards of European citizens, saying that whether we are talking about energy or housing, the common goal is to offer real solutions that raise people's standard of living.
Also attending the meeting at the Government House was Romania's Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery Mihai Jurca, and senior official with the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Dragos Hotea.
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